Dogs seized from suspected Jones County puppy mill

Dogs seized from suspected Jones County puppy
mill



Authorities rescued at least 80 dogs from a suspected puppy mill
at a rural Jones County property on March 14, 2012.

More than 80 dogs were seized from this Jones County property on
March 14, 2012. (Image courtesy of WNCT-TV)
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Trenton, N.C. — Authorities rescued 88 dogs and
one cat on Wednesday from a suspected puppy mill at a rural Jones County
property.
A person who went to the property at at 1780 N.C. Highway 41 West in
Trento to buy a puppy notified law enforcement that the animals were being kept
in poor conditions.
The Jones County Sheriff's Office searched the property on Wednesday morning
and found the dogs living in unsanitary conditions and lacking veterinary care
and socialization.
The Humane Society of the U.S., which assisted with the rescue, said
chihuahuas, French bulldogs, dachshunds and pomeranians were living crowded in
small wire enclosures amid their own feces. Many of the dogs were severely
matted, appeared malnourished and were suffering from a variety of medical
issues.
The property owner was selling puppies to unsuspecting consumers through
local newspaper advertisements, the Humane Society said.
"When people see the pictures of these dogs, they're going to understand what
the inherent problem is with having puppy mills in North Carolina or any state,"
said Molly Stone with the Wake County SPCA. "It's a really good visual
illustration of why we need regulation."


The owner, whose name was not released, surrendered the dogs to authorities.
It is unclear if anyone has been charged.
The Jones County Sheriff's Office has not returned calls for comment.
The animals were transported to the Wake County SPCA holding center in Garner
on Wednesday afternoon, where they will be examined and treated by veterinarians
before being eligible for adoption or foster care.
"The worst of the dogs were transported to an urgent care facility so they
could get medical care," said Mondy Lamb with the Wake County SPCA.
Reporter: Beau Minnick
Photographer: Mark
Simpson
Web Editor: Kathy Hanrahan
RELATED TOPICS: Jones County, Wake County, Garner