Posted: July 2, 2008, 5 a.m. EDT
Nearly 800 animals were found after a raid at an alleged puppy mill in Tennessee, according to animal rescuers.
The 747 animals discovered in the raid by local and state authorities last week were kept in various enclosures among the property’s 92 acres of rocky terrain known as Pine Bluff Kennels in Lyles, Tenn. The farm’s owner could face criminal charges.
The majority of the animals were dogs, including more than 200 puppies, suffering from a general lack of care, such as little to no food or water, poor ventilation in enclosed areas, and feces-encrusted pens. Conditions such as matting, sores, broken limbs, and a host of other medical problems were prevalent.
Breeds included Basset Hounds, Jack Russell Terriers, Pomeranians, Chihuahuas, Boxers, Chow-Chows, Dachshunds, Shih Tzu, German Shepherd Dogs, Pugs, and Great Danes. Other animals on the property included horses, chickens, goats, parrots, and purebred cats.
The animals were to be transported to an area emergency shelter. To help in the rescue effort, an emergency relief truck made a delivery of pet supplies and other goods.
PetSmart Charities received a request for its Emergency Relief Waggin’ in connection with the alleged puppy mill case. In response, the nonprofit agency dispatched from PetSmart’s Newnan, Ga., distribution center a fully loaded 53-foot trailer stocked with emergency pet supplies to support up to 500 companion animals.
Attempts to contact the kennel operator by phone resulted in a message that said the number was disconnected. The kennel website states, “We strive to raise a healthy well-adjusted adorable puppy to be your next family pet.”