The Johnston County Sheriff’s Office and the Humane Society of the United States have reported the rescue of roughly 250 dogs from two alleged puppy mills in Milburn, authorities mentioned.
The dogs have been transported to an emergency shelter to obtain veterinary exams.
Local authorities served search and seizure warrants Monday after complaints of animal cruelty on the two residential properties in Milburn, about 130 miles south of Oklahoma City.
Johnston County Sheriff Gary W. Dodd mentioned the operation was a part of an ongoing investigation throughout which authorities have obtained complaints as way back as two years at one of many 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 mentioned in a press release. “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 have been pregnant, extra discovered to be dwelling in poor situations
Dogs and puppies have been discovered dwelling in poor and unsanitary situations all through the properties, with many contained in outside pens with little safety from the climate.
Veterinarians mentioned lots of the dogs have been underweight and had illnesses together with dental illness in addition to pores and skin and eye points.
There have been about 15 nursing dogs and litters among the many inhabitants faraway from the 2 properties.
Several dogs are pregnant and veterinarians count on extra pregnancies will probably be recognized as they proceed exams.
A neonatal puppy discovered to be in respiratory misery was eliminated instantly 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,” mentioned Shalimar Oliver, animal crimes supervisor for the Humane Society of the United States.
Authorities mentioned one of many breeders has puppies listed on the market on the American Kennel Club’s web site.
The breeders every promote that they promote their dogs at a market in Canton, Texas that has been the topic of a number of animal welfare investigations and complaints, authorities mentioned.
“It’s a bleak existence for these dogs,” mentioned 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 aren’t available for adoption right now.
This article initially appeared on Oklahoman: Two-year invstigation results in 250 dogs rescued in south Oklahoma
