Over 100 animals rescued from suspected N.C. puppy mill

NORTH CAROLINA --  Approximately 40 dogs and more than 75 other animals were rescued from a suspected puppy mill in Gates County, N.C. Tuesday.

Humane Society spokeswoman Kaitlin Sanderson told WVEC.com that local law enforcement became concerned after somebody filed a complaint regarding an emaciated horse.

A variety of small-breed dogs and puppies, including Pugs, Boston terriers and Border Collies, were suffering from lack of basic care, with no access to clean water or food, Sanderson said.  HSUS says some dogs were found living outside without proper shelter and others were found living inside a building filled with filth.
 
 Sanderson said more than 75 other animals, including cats, mini ponies, bunnies and chickens were found on the property.

The owner agreed to surrender some of the animals.

The Humane Society, SPCA of Wake County, SPCA of Northeastern North Carolina and the Gates County Sheriff’s Office assisted in the rescue and removal of the animals.
 

 "The animals will be held at a temporary shelter until final disposition of the case. Pending the outcome, we along with The SPCA of Wake County will work with placement shelters and rescues in the area to get the animals adopted – which could include Norfolk/Hampton Roads area," Sanderson told WVEC.com.

This is the 15th North Carolina puppy mill rescue The HSUS has been involved in since June 2011.

(WVEC - Nov 26, 2013)

Earlier:
Gates County, N.C. – A complaint about an emaciated horse led officials in Gates County to a home where they rescued over 100 animals including dogs, cats, mini ponies, bunnies and chickens.

They seized 40 dogs and 75 other animals from the Gates County property on Tuesday, Nov. 26th.

They say the dogs were suffering from lack of basic care and they had no access to clean water or food. They say many of the dogs also lacked the proper shelter and a few were found living inside of a filthy building. The owner surrendered some of the animals.

The dogs have now been taken to a temporary emergency animal shelter where they are waiting to be examined.

Officials say this is the 15th puppy mill rescue since 2011.

If you have any information leading up to the arrest and conviction of a puppy mill operator, you could receive a reward up to $5,000.

Call 1-877-MILL-TIP to submit information to authorities.