Florida: Nearly 100 dogs rescued from suspected puppy mill; Beatriz Perez, 46, and Alexei Fernandez, 47, arrested

FLORIDA -- Two people were arrested in Clewiston after a suspected puppy mill with nearly 100 dogs was shut down Monday.

Beatriz Perez (aka Betty Perez), 46, and Alexei Fernandez, 47, are charged with several counts of cruelty to animals after authorities found the dogs living in filthy conditions and without clean water or food at the property at 166 Avenue Del Club.

Beatriz aka Betty Perez has a history of arrests in Hendry county including a 2014 stay in jail for probation violation, 2013 for trespassing, and in 2009 for driving with a suspended license and contempt of court.

Members of the ASPCA team rescued the dogs after an investigation that last six months. They said many of the dogs were being sold to pet stores in the Miami-Dade area.

"This is an unlicensed, substandard breeding facility," said ASPCA Field Investigator Tim Rickey.

The Hendry County Sheriff's Office worked with ASPCA to save the dogs. The dogs, small and large breeds including Siberian Huskies, Chihuahuas and Poodles were discovered living in crowded, filthy pens, many with little protection from the elements.

Many dogs had no access to clean drinking water or food and were suffering from various medical conditions, including skin and eye disease and severe dental issues.

"It's obvious that some are ill, and there are some newborn puppies, too," said Capt. Susan Harrelle.

Those puppies were as young as two-days-old. Veterinarians checked on each dog as they left the property.

"We're seeing a number of medical issues, eye issues, teeth issues, skin problems," Rickey said. "These animals are living in this environment every day and not receiving adequate care."

  

  

  

  

Each dog was assigned a number, now part of evidence for a criminal investigation. While the sheriff's office works on that, the focus for many is now on the health of the dogs.

"We have a team at the shelter. They'll be getting 'round-the-clock treatment and care for the next weeks, if not months," Rickey said.

Three family dogs, a donkey and several reptiles were healthy and well cared for, so investigators allowed them to remain on the property.

The raid came after numerous complaints from the community.

“This is a tragic situation we see all too often,” Rickey said. “Puppy mills are a widespread issue across Florida and around the country. Many people are unaware that most puppies sold at pet stores come from puppy mills, and that buying pet store puppies indirectly supports these facilities."

The dogs will be transported to a temporary shelter where they will receive medical care from ASPCA vets.

“We have no tolerance for animal cruelty in this county,” said Hendry County Sheriff Steve Whidden. “Hopefully this case will send a message and prevent similar situations.”

Also assisting in the rescue were Clewiston Animal Control, Texas Humane Heroes, and the Humane Society of Broward County.

  

  

 

  

  

 

(NBC-2 - Nov 16, 2015)