Officers rescue 250 dogs from Oklahoma puppy mills in 2-year animal cruelty investigation
The Johnston County Sheriff’s Office and the Humane Society of the United States have reported the rescue of approximately 250 dogs from two alleged puppy mills in Milburn, authorities said.
The dogs were transported to an emergency shelter to receive veterinary exams.
Local authorities served search and seizure warrants Monday after complaints of animal cruelty at the two residential properties in Milburn, about 130 miles south of Oklahoma City.
Johnston County Sheriff Gary W. Dodd said the operation was part of an ongoing investigation during which authorities have received complaints as long ago as two years at one of the properties.
At least one arrest has been made — on a felon in possession of a firearm.
“This is not in keeping with the western way of life that we strive to protect every day,” Dodd said in a statement. “A culture in which both man and animal work together in a strong agricultural society where we protect and care for the animals that we also rely on. When presented with probable cause of alleged animal cruelty, we will not hesitate to act.”
Several dogs were pregnant, more found to be living in poor conditions
Dogs and puppies were found living in poor and unsanitary conditions throughout the properties, with many contained in outdoor pens with little protection from the weather.
Veterinarians said many of the dogs were underweight and had ailments including dental disease as well as skin and eye issues.
There were about 15 nursing dogs and litters among the population removed from the two properties.
Several dogs are pregnant and veterinarians expect more pregnancies will be identified as they continue exams.
A neonatal puppy found to be in respiratory distress was removed immediately from the scene for emergency veterinary care.
“We had an intense day and a late night helping these animals get out of that situation and settled into our emergency shelter,” said Shalimar Oliver, animal crimes manager for the Humane Society of the United States.
Authorities said one of the breeders has puppies listed for sale on the American Kennel Club’s website.
The breeders each advertise that they sell their dogs at a market in Canton, Texas that has been the subject of multiple animal welfare investigations and complaints, authorities said.
“It’s a bleak existence for these dogs,” said Cynthia Armstrong, Oklahoma state director for the Humane Society. “No one would want to live like this. We are grateful to the Johnston County Sheriff’s Office for intervening on behalf of these animals and getting them the care they need.”
The rescued dogs are not available for adoption at this time.
This article originally appeared on Oklahoman: Oklahoma puppy mill investigation: 250 dogs rescued amid cruelty complaints
