Dogs Rescued From Suspected Puppy Mill

NORTH CAROLINA -- Rutherford County Animal Control have secured warrants against a brother and sister who had the 52 dogs on Ferry Road, which were rescued, seized and surrendered on June 11& 12 from three locations in Rutherford County and one location in Cleveland County.

Fifty year-old Dean Edward Upchurch is charged with 41 counts of misdemeanor animal cruelty.  He was arrested and his bond was set at $7,000 secured.

Forty-five year-old Barbara Ann Upchurch is charged with 3 counts of misdemeanor animal cruelty and one count of instigating or promoting animal cruelty.

Dean and Barbara Upchurch admitted to owning the dogs and face charges in relation to the abuse of the dogs.

All the dogs are being cared for thorough the Humane Society of Charlotte.

(myfox8.com - June 18, 2014)