250 dogs rescued from Oklahoma Puppy Mill operation, so far, no charges or arrests

Taylor Mitchell/KFOR
·2 min read
6

MILBURN, Okla. (KFOR) – On Monday, around 250 dogs, including puppies and some cats were rescued from alleged animal cruelty cases in Johnston County. The animals were found living in poor conditions and unsanitary environments. Some of the animals even needed medical care. This comes after authorities served search and seizure warrants at the properties.

It all started when the Johnston County Sheriff’s office received tips of possible animal cruelty cases coming from two properties in Milburn. Several agencies quickly jumped into action.

“Calling the Humane Society, we’ve explained to them what the conditions were and what we expected to find which we did,” said Undersheriff Christian Smith, Johnston County Sheriff’s Office.

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It was an overwhelming scene on Monday as the Johnston County Sheriff’s Office and the Humane Society worked together to rescue around 250 animals from two different Oklahoma Puppy Mills in Johnston County.

The breeders were allegedly selling animals online and advertising dogs for sale at a flea market in Texas.

“It’s my understanding that there is a relationship between the two properties. And at some point, they were joined… But at this point, they have two different kennel names they are operating under,” said Cynthia Armstrong, Oklahoma state director for The Humane Society of the United States.

The Humane Society of the United States is assisting the Johnston County Sheriff’s Office in the rescue of dozens of dogs and puppies from a main street property as part of an alleged cruelty situation at two puppy mills in Milburn, Okla on Monday, March 11, 2024. (Kevin Wolf/AP Images for HSUS), Kevin Wolf/AP Images for the HSUS
The Humane Society of the United States is assisting the Johnston County Sheriff’s Office in the rescue of dozens of dogs and puppies from a main street property as part of an alleged cruelty situation at two puppy mills in Milburn, Okla on Monday, March 11, 2024. (Kevin Wolf/AP Images for HSUS), Kevin Wolf/AP Images for the HSUS
The Humane Society of the United States is assisting the Johnston County Sheriff’s Office in the rescue of dozens of dogs and puppies from a main street property as part of an alleged cruelty situation at two puppy mills in Milburn, Okla on Monday, March 11, 2024. (Kevin Wolf/AP Images for HSUS), Kevin Wolf/AP Images for the HSUS
The Humane Society of the United States is assisting the Johnston County Sheriff’s Office in the rescue of dozens of dogs and puppies from a main street property as part of an alleged cruelty situation at two puppy mills in Milburn, Okla on Monday, March 11, 2024. (Kevin Wolf/AP Images for HSUS), Kevin Wolf/AP Images for the HSUS
The Humane Society of the United States is assisting the Johnston County Sheriff’s Office in the rescue of dozens of dogs and puppies from a main street property as part of an alleged cruelty situation at two puppy mills in Milburn, Okla on Monday, March 11, 2024. (Kevin Wolf/AP Images for HSUS), Kevin Wolf/AP Images for the HSUS
The Humane Society of the United States is assisting the Johnston County Sheriff’s Office in the rescue of dozens of dogs and puppies from a main street property as part of an alleged cruelty situation at two puppy mills in Milburn, Okla on Monday, March 11, 2024. (Kevin Wolf/AP Images for HSUS), Kevin Wolf/AP Images for the HSUS
The Humane Society of the United States is assisting the Johnston County Sheriff’s Office in the rescue of dozens of dogs and puppies from a main street property as part of an alleged cruelty situation at two puppy mills in Milburn, Okla on Monday, March 11, 2024. (Kevin Wolf/AP Images for HSUS), Kevin Wolf/AP Images for the HSUS
The Humane Society of the United States is assisting the Johnston County Sheriff’s Office in the rescue of dozens of dogs and puppies from a main street property as part of an alleged cruelty situation at two puppy mills in Milburn, Okla on Monday, March 11, 2024. (Kevin Wolf/AP Images for HSUS), Kevin Wolf/AP Images for the HSUS

Since the bust, they’ve counted at least 15 pregnant dogs.

Officials say several animals needed medical care because of the dirty living conditions. One 10-day-old puppy even needed emergency attention for a severe respiratory illness.

“I’m happy to report that today the puppy is doing much better,” said Armstrong.

That puppy is still in the hospital recovering.

Now, the animals are at a temporary emergency shelter where they are being evaluated by veterinarians.

While many are looking to adopt, officials say the animals still legally belong to the breeders, so it will soon be up to the court to determine future custody.

“The Sheriff’s Office will pursue that with the District Attorney,” said Armstrong.

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Only one arrest has been made so far for a felon in possession of a firearm.

So far, there have been no animal cruelty related charges filed or arrests made as the Sheriff’s Office is still investigating.

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