The search has ended for Christiane Judd, the 39-year-old woman who once operated Loonie Farms Animal Rescue in Ludowici.

On Saturday, U.S. Customs and Border Protection Field Operations announced they arrested the German citizen after officers working at the Peace Bridge Port of Entry in Buffalo, N.Y., encountered Christiane Babic, also known as Christiane Judd, as she presented herself for inspection after being denied entry into Canada, according to a news release issued by the CBP’s public affairs office. 

The release said the CBP officers ran a primary system check on her name, which revealed the possibility of an active nationwide extradition warrant of arrest in the United States. Judd was referred for a secondary examination, which confirmed that she was the subject of an arrest warrant issued in Long County for animal cruelty charges.

According to a posting on the wall of a Facebook group called “Let’s Help Christiane Judd/Babic,” which was created by Judd’s son, Vincent, on Monday, Judd reportedly fled Long County around May 15, saying she felt threatened after having a gun held to her and her son’s heads the previous day.

On May 16, local animal rescue groups arrived at Loonie Farms to care for homeless animals and gather kennels. Instead, they discovered countless animal bones and decaying carcasses. Only a handful of animals were found alive.

The Long County Sheriff’s Office and the Georgia Department of Agriculture confirmed they made a surprise inspection along with agents from the GBI and the secretary of state’s office in April. They reportedly issued eight violations and warned Judd about the laws and proper disposal of dead animals.

The CBP release said Judd is a German citizen living illegally in the United States.

An article by Associated Press writer Carolyn Thompson reported Judd was in the United States on an expired visitor visa.
She reportedly was traveling with her three sons and several dogs and puppies when she attempted to enter Canada.

Long County Detective Lt. Tom Sollosi was unavailable for comment Tuesday but previously told reporters that Judd reportedly told Canadian authorities she knew there were warrants out for her arrested in the United States, and she was only trying to go to Niagara Falls for her son’s birthday. Sollosi said his understanding is that the German consulate may have been contacted about Judd’s children as she is a German national.

Judd is in the custody of Buffalo Police pending extradition to Georgia. Sollosi said plans are being made to pick up Judd if extradition is granted.