Innocent Till Proven Guilty 

Dog sexually assaulted Long Beach, NY (US)

Incident Date: Tuesday, Oct 12, 2010
Disposition: Alleged

Alleged: Mitchell Marsicano

Police arrested a West Park Avenue man earlier today after he allegedly sexually abused his pet dog, Snowball. Mitchell Marsicano, 55, of 432 West Park Avenue, pleaded not guilty on Friday to charges that he sexually abused the four-year-old male Shibu Inu on at least two separate occasions. Marsicano was charged with sexual misconduct, attempted sexual misconduct and burglary after he allegedly forced his way into his tenants' apartment and engaged in sexual acts with the dog.

One of the tenants, Daniel Miller, said he awoke to the dog's "squealing" and witnessed the disturbing scene in an empty adjacent bedroom. "Immediately I woke up and it was the worst picture imaginable," Miller said, adding that he witnessed Marsicano on top of the dog, naked. Miller said he pushed Marsicano off of the dog, at which point Marsicano left the house. Miller said he called the Animal Cruelty Unit, and that Long Beach Police arrested Marsicano when he returned home.

Marsicano was charged with one count of second-degree burglary -- a Class C felony -- in addition to one count of sexual misconduct and one count of attempted sexual misconduct, both misdemeanors. He faces up to 15 years in jail if convicted of the burglary charge and one year in jail for the misdemeanor charges. He was arraigned in Long Beach City Court, where his bail was set at $20,000 bond or $10,000 cash. The case is still under investigation by the District Attorney's Animal Cruelty Unit who are working with Long Beach police, Rice said, and additional charges could be added. Marsicano is due back in Nassau County court on October 27. Rice said that Snowball is currently being cared for at the Freeport Animal Shelter.
"Thanks to the actions of witnesses, the Long Beach Police Department and the members of my office's Animal Cruelty Unit this dog is now safe and protected from any further abuse," Rice said.

Cat trapped in garbage can, covered with chemical Sugar Hill, GA (US)

Alleged: Daniel Jeffrey Moore
County: Gwinnett
Charges: Felony CTA
Disposition: Alleged

A Sugar Hill teenager is in jail after police say he bragged to his roommates about brutally torturing at least two stray cats. The roommates of 18-year-old Daniel Jeffrey Moore told police they came home on Nov. 16 to find Moore boasting about a cat he had trapped in a garbage can -- after pouring bleach and another industrial cleaner on the stray. Managing to push Moore out of the way, the pair removed the cat from the trash can, saying it was "unable to stand up or keep its balance," according to police reports. They took the cat to an animal emergency center in Lawrenceville, where it was in critical condition. One roommate said Moore also told him that day he had "suffocated another stray cat yesterday by placing the cat in a Tupperware container and securing the lid." Moore allegedly said he had dumped that cat in a creek behind the house on Pinecrest Drive after it died.

After an investigation, Moore was arrested by Gwinnett County Police on Monday and charged with one felony count of cruelty to animals. As of Wednesday afternoon, he had not posted the $11,200 bond required for his release.

117 sick, injured horses seized in Viola, AR (US)

Alleged: Rodney Kankey

Incident Date: Thursday, Dec 9, 2010
Charges: Misdemeanor, Felony CTA Disposition: Alleged

Following three exhaustive weeks of investigation, authorities arrested Rodney L. Kankey Thursday on five felony charges of aggravated cruelty to a horse. Kankey, 49, of Viola also faces 113 misdemeanor cruelty to animals charges. Each felony charge carries a maximum of six years in prison upon conviction. Kankey was arrested by Boone County Sheriff's deputies on Thursday and brought to the Boone County Detention Facility where he was being held on the arrest warrant from Fulton County. The affidavit for Kankey's arrest states that on Dec. 7, Fulton County deputy Lance Gray went to a call at Kankey's 6644 U.S. Hwy. 62 home to help people get horses off the highway and back into a corral on Kankey's property. As Gray did so, he noticed a dead white horse that appeared to have been partially eaten by animals. Gray noted the other horses appeared to be in poor health and that there appeared to be no food, hay or water for the horses, according to the affidavit. Two days later, authorities went back to Kankey's property and seized 116 live horses. Three dead horses were found on the property, according to the affidavit. The affidavit states that veterinary Dr. Rhonda Windham performed field necropsies on two of the horses and determined they "starved to death" and that starvation "caused intensive and prolonged pain before death."
According to paperwork filed at the Fulton County Courthouse, Kankey was arrested on one charge of aggravated assault, one charge of possession of firearm by certain person and three charges of terroristic threatening. The charges carry a maximum total prison sentence of 44 years. Those charges stem from a series of incidents on Nov. 13 and Nov. 25. The affidavit states Kankey's wife Terry Kankey told authorities that Nov. 13 he threatened to cut off her fingers. Kankey's father-in-law Jerry Dorsey told authorities Kankey called him Nov. 25 and said, "he (Kankey) had bought two .223 rifles and that he was going to shoot Terry from a long distance and then would mutilate her body where no one could recognize her. Kankey also stated to Dorsey that he was going to kill him," the affidavit says.
According to Smith, Kankey then reached into a pocket, pulled out a pistol, and began yelling at Smith that a truck sitting at Smith's uncle's garage was stolen and that Smith "had better start talking." When Fulton County deputies arrested Kankey on Nov. 25, they searched him and found two loaded pistols, according to the affidavit.

Read more: Pet-Abuse.Com - Animal Abuse Case Details: 117 sick, injured horses seized - Viola, AR (US) http://www.pet-abuse.com/cases/17044/AR/US/#ixzz1DHVXDDce

• 'You just get downright angry at the situation'
  

WOODBURN, Ore. - The sheriff's office seized nine horses Sunday that had resorted to eating wooden fencing to survive. The horses are alive and being fed a special diet of warm water, molasses and small amounts of hay.  They are all in warm stalls, blanketed, and fed three to four times daily with fresh clean water, the Marion County Sheriff's Office said. The horses' medical needs are being attended to daily, and they are receiving brushing and affection from volunteers at the United SPCA shelter in Yamhill, Ore. Eduardo Cruz-Arvizu, 26, Oswaldo Cibrian, 24, and Jose Rubio Dela Cruz, 42, all of Woodburn, were charged with nine counts of Animal Neglect as a result of the investigation. Their court date is set for Feb. 7, 2011. The investigation began in late December when neighbors called to report the horses in a field at Crosby Road NE and North Arney Road in Woodburn. >>>See Photos of the Horses

Neighbors said the horses had been left in the field several months ago with little attention being paid to them. Two stallions were locked in a small shed, separated from the other horses, but with little room for movement. Many parts of the field were under water, with other areas in 6 inches to a foot of mud. There were no sources of food in the field and little shelter available to them. Callers said the horses were eating the wooden fencing to survive.

Kitten stomped to death in front of police Chattanooga, TN (US)

Alleged: Cathleen Anne Juras She also has a history of violence..
Incident Date: Thursday, Nov 25, 2010
County: Hamilton
Charges: Misdemeanor
Disposition: Alleged

A kitten was stomped to death right in front of a police officer on Thanksgiving night. It is something the local animal center has never heard of. The woman accused of attacking the animal is in trouble with the law. It all started when police answered a call on Youngstown Road, and found a severely intoxicated Cathleen Anne Juras.  The director of McKamey Animal Center says they've never seen anything like this in Chattanooga. Chattanooga Police were there to deal with the woman. McKamey was there because someone reported a dog bit a child. As police led Juras away in handcuffs, they say she stomped the kitten's head, killing it.Neighbors and the people who live at the home did not want to talk to us on camera.

But off camera, the man who owns the home says 44-year-old Cathleen Juras is a friend of his sister's and lives there with her sister, him, and his children. "It's unusual for police officers to be in a situation where they're the ones that bring animal cruelty charges. Usually that's something that we would do," says Walsh. Karen Walsh with the McKamey Animal Center says one of her officers was also called to the home that night, for another incident involving a dog.

"Our officer was actually called out because their dog had become loose from its chain and had bitten one of their children," says Walsh. Chattanooga Police say the reason they filed the charge in this case is because the kitten was killed in front of the officer. It is rare for police to file animal cruelty charges but not unheard of. A police spokesperson says contacting Child Protective Services is McKamey's policy, not theirs.

Six dogs found caged and emaciated Delray Beach, FL (US)

Update posted on Oct 23, 2010 - 10:51PM                                                                                                                                                                  Incident Date: Thursday, Aug 12, 2010
Charges: Felony CTA
Disposition: Alleged
Alleged: Jeremy Brinson

Six pit bulls rescued from a Delray Beach backyard will not be returned to an owner who was ordered to pay for their care and who could face charges. "One of those dogs [was] literally glued to a cage, in skeletal condition and unable to move, [stuck] in its own feces and urine. The dogs, ages 1 to 3.

The most severely injured of the lot was named Sunny because of her positive reaction to the sunlight once freed from her filth-filled cage. Sunny already has received adoption offers from as far away as Canada. Animal Care and Control wants to find families who will keep Chopper, Chloe, Pepsi, Bella and Lucy as indoor pets.
Acting on neighbors' complaints, officers with Delray Beach Police and Animal Care and Control visited Brinson's home in the 300 block of Northwest Fifth Avenue on Aug. 12. Identifying himself as Shawn Davis, he told the officers he had four dogs tied up in his backyard, according to the incident report. However, they found one male and five females, two of which were in very poor health. Brinson claimed two of the dogs belonged to friend Ivan Carter, but Carter said in court that he gave Brinson the dogs months ago. According to the case file, the other dogs were either tied up on short tethers out of reach of water bowls in the hot sun or kept in dog houses that were more sauna than shady shelter. One dog was found in a plastic kennel crate with the cage door up against the concrete wall of the house, restricting ventilation on a sweltering day. The lone male had significant scarring on its head and front legs and a cut ear.

Case Updates
Charges have been re-filed in the case of the "Delray Six" dogs rescued by animal care and control. Their former owner now faces felony animal cruelty charges. Jeremy Brinson was originally given a misdemeanor charge, after he was accused of forcing six pit-bull mixes to live in filthy conditions in Delray Beach in August. The dogs were said to be near death when they were rescued. They have since been adopted and live as family pets
Source: wptv.com - Oct 23, 2010

Read more: Pet-Abuse.Com - Animal Abuse Case Details: Six dogs found caged and emaciated - Delray Beach, FL (US) http://www.pet-abuse.com/cases/16692/FL/US/#ixzz1AZmQwuo2

Dog beaten nearly to death Key Largo, FL (US) Kudos to you Tom Kiffney

2 dogs abandoned at home High Point, NC (US)

Incident Date: Thursday, Sep 2, 2010
Charges: Misdemeanor, Felony CTA
Disposition: Alleged


Two people face animal cruelty charges after neglected dogs were found at their former home. High Point police animal control officers responded to 844 Willow Place on Sept. 2 after getting a call about two dogs that had been left in the backyard by the home's previous occupants. Officers found a black pit bull mix lying on its side "in near death condition," police said. The dog was not chained or tethered, but the other animal in the yard was. The second dog, a black and brown pit bull mix, was tethered to a stake in the ground, police said. It also showed signs of prolonged neglect but was able to move around. Both animals were taken to the Guilford County Animal Shelter. The black pit bull mix was given medical treatment and has survived, police said. The second dog was in such poor condition that it had to be put down. Investigators identified two suspects in the case -- Wilbert Morrison Jr. and Nellie A. Brock, both 55 -- and charged them with two counts each of misdemeanor animal cruelty, according to police.

Case Updates
Nellie Brock, 55, and Wilbert Morrison Jr., 55, of 844 Willow Place in High Point on one felony and one misdemeanor count each of animal cruelty. They were charged after animal control officers found two malnourished pit bulls in their yard on Sept. 2. One had to be euthanized; the other, renamed Chamberlin, survived.
Source: news-record.com - Dec 8, 2010
Update posted on Dec 8, 2010 - 10:35PM

Read more: Pet-Abuse.Com - Animal Abuse Case Details: 2 dogs abandoned at home - High Point, NC (US) http://www.pet-abuse.com/cases/16696/NC/US/#ixzz1AZQylHaN

This one is a little twisted..

The St. Joseph County Prosecutor's Office has filed a Petition Alleging Delinquency against Vincent B. Hunter, Jr., 18, of South Bend, IN, in connection with the November 9, 2009, burglary of a home on West Bonds Street. During the burglary, the homeowners' sheepdog, "Linus," was shot and killed.

Because Hunter was under 18 years of age at the time of the alleged crimes, he has been alleged to be a delinquent child, committing the following acts that would be felonies of committed by an adult: Count I: Burglary, a Class B felony. Count II: Animal Cruelty, a Class D felony

Sentence: A jury found 18-year-old Hunter guilty of burglary, a Class B felony, and of killing a domestic animal, a class D felony, in November. On Wednesday, Hunter appeared before Judge John Marnocha and faced as many as 23 years in prison. In a press release, the St. Joseph County prosecutor’s office said it asked that Hunter be sentenced to 10 years for burglary and three years for killing the dog. Marnocha, however, sentenced Hunter to 10 years for burglary and 18 months for killing Linus but ordered the sentences to run concurrently. With good behavior, Hunter could be freed from prison in less than six years. Marnocha also ordered Hunter to pay $1,000 in restitution.
... more... Read more: Pet-Abuse.Com - Profile http://www.pet-abuse.com/profiles/17146/#ixzz1ATO0Fk7z
Another individual, Bret Shay Walker-Humphrey, 20, was charged in St. Joseph Superior Court on April 21, 2010, with one count of Burglary, a Class B felony, and Animal Cruelty, a Class D felony. His initial hearing in front of St. Joseph Superior Court Judge Frese is scheduled Febuary 7th 2011.  Please be advised that the charges filed against the defendant are merely an accusation and the defendant is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.

Investigators say they found postcards fashioned from photographs of a bloodied and swollen American Pit Bull Terrier during a recent search of an Acworth home. Bartow County Sheriff's Office investigators -- along with Norred & Associates private eyes, and Bartow County Animal Control and Atlanta Humane Society personnel -- served the search warrant Aug. 2 at 4193 Creek Trail in Acworth, but the man accused of running at that home a dogfighting breeding and training operation, Ricky Lee Hurley, 47, was arrested Monday after reporting to BCSO to speak with investigators. "I don't believe they were actually fighting the dogs [on the property]," BCSO Investigator Keith Milner said. "They might have been doing what they call 'rolling,' sparring some of the dogs. There were 12 dogs there in poor living conditions, standing in muddy, swampy ground, chained with big, heavy chains. Most had no water, no food when we were there. Several of the dogs had old scars on their bodies from possible fighting. We did locate pictures of dogs that had been in fights." Also allegedly found during the search of Hurley's home, for which he was not present, were steroids and first aid medicines. "A lot of these are steroids and supplements to beef the dogs up. Some of them are antibiotics to doctor the injuries.

In the wake of the 2007 Michael Vick dogfighting case, Norred established an anonymous animal fighting tip line at 877-215-2250 and the Humane Society of the United States offers up to $5,000 for information leading to the arrest and conviction of anyone involved in animal fighting, according to www.norred.com.

 To read more: http://www.dogsdeservebetter.com/ddbcases.html

Man Arrested in Dog Poisoning In Houston, TX

Updated: Wednesday, 01 Dec 2010, 4:12 PM CST

HOUSTON - Qien Feng was released from the Harris County jail Wednesday after prosecutors say he tried to poison his neighbor's dogs with cheese balls laced with a toxin, strychnine. Just why Feng allegedly wanted to see his neighbor's dogs dead in Rice Military is unclear. It was in that same neighborhood where Charlotte Liberda's dogs were poisoned back in July. They all survived. To prevent the incident from happening again, Liberda installed cameras around her house. It was those surveillance units that captured 44-year-old Qien Feng throwing those tainted cheese balls over Liberda's fence in a reported second attempt to kill her dogs.

Feng was charged with cruelty to animals and released on a $2,000 bond.

• 

  ISIAH CAREY
  Reporter  Sourse: http://www.myfoxhouston.com/dpp/news/local/101201-qien-feng-arrest-animal-cruelty

and http://www.soulofadog.com/man-arrested-for-dog-poisonings-in-rice-military/714/

  Berkeley county deputies arrested 7 for dog fighting in North Carolina

Man charged with letting dog starve to death in Cleveland.

A Lawndale man is accused of abandoning a chained dog and allowing it to starve to death.

Two New Yorkers Arrested in Separate Cases of Cat Neglect

With the help of astute observers and anonymous tips, the ASPCA is cracking down on cat abuse in the Big Apple. On October 13, the ASPCA arrested Brooklyn resident Tiffany Feliciano for neglecting her nine-month-old kitten, Marty. The very next day, our Humane Law Enforcement Agents arrested Davanand Raghunath for allegedly starving his cat in Queens. When ASPCA Humane Law Enforcement Agent Paul Lai arrived at Feliciano’s apartment, he discovered an emaciated, dehydrated, black-and-white kitten in a filthy cage without food. Marty was immediately transported to the ASPCA’s Bergh Memorial Animal Hospital, where he received life-saving medical care.

The following day, ASPCA Special Agent Debbie Ryan arrested Davanand Raghunath after finding a starving, flea-infested orange Tabby in the basement of his store in Ozone Park. The seven-year-old cat, Leo, also received emergency medical treatment from ASPCA veterinarians. Both Leo and Marty are now in stable condition and recovering from starvation and skin inflammation, a secondary result of flea infestation. Feliciano and Raghunath were each charged with one count of misdemeanor animal cruelty and are scheduled to appear in court. If convicted, they face up to one year in jail and a $1,000 fine.

Williamsburg Animal Control (Wayne Perkins) Kills Dog

Bugsy said, "They'll rescue him, take him to the shelter, clean him up, adopt him out. That's what I had envisioned happening." But workers say when the animal control officer arrived, it was clear that wasn't going to be Bugsy's fate. That's when Breanna Rhoades says she pleaded with a police officer to let her have the dog. "He was like, well if you do that, you have to pay the fine because in city limits you have to have it on a chain or in a cage," Rhoades said, "I was like, well that's fine, whatever I need to do. Just don't kill the dog. Well when he's over here talking to me, the animal control guy was pulled here and shot the dog." Williamsburg Police say they were concerned about potential danger after receiving calls that Bugsy had almost caused car crashes. "That dog was not going to hurt anybody. It was gentle, sweet as it could be. It was just scared to death," Rhoades said.
Now some hope Bugsy's death will encourage more adoptions and animal control reforms. "I'd like to see an animal control that would actually rescue the dog, take it to the shelter. Let's try to get these dogs adopted out. Don't kill them in cold blood. That's not even humane. If you have to euthanize them because they're overpopulated, that's sad, and I hate that, but at least it's a humane way. I understand they may not can adopt every dog out, but at least give it a chance," Rains said

Dog found dead on chain Greensboro, NC (US)

Alleged: Kanisha Logan
Disposition: Alleged

A dog that was found dead and chained to a tree has prompted renewed interest in enacting an ordinance against tethering in Guilford County. A few weeks ago, Philip Evans noticed a dog lying on its side in a neighbor's yard on Willow Rd., but when his girlfriend spotted the dog in the same exact position a few days later, they called Guilford County Animal Control.  "She was walking the dogs that morning and the dog still wasn't moving, but the other dogs would get up and react to her being out there and that one stayed stationary," said Evans.  The dog's owner, Kanisha Logan, was charged with animal cruelty, and a blood test later determined the animal had no food in its stomach.
Although it's not illegal to chain a dog in Guilford County, pet owners must follow some rules, including making sure the tether is at least 10 feet long and the animal is provided water, shelter and food.

See a vido from Dogs Deserve better: http://www.dogsdeservebetter.com/kanishalogancruelty.html

Dog beaten with baseball bat, dies Baltimore, MD (US)

Incident Date: Monday, Aug 9, 2010 Alleged: Derrick Chambers

County: Baltimore City

Forty-eight-year-old Derrick Chambers faces several animal cruelty charges after police say he beat his four-year-old min-pin with a baseball bat. "A broken right leg, his ribs were shattered, his teeth were missing, his jaw was broken," said Kevin Usilton, BARCS. When officers responded to a 911 call, they found the dog tied up in a garbage bag in the bed of Chambers' truck at his house on West Franklin Street. They say the min-pin died less than an hour later. One neighbor who saw the dog calls it "horrifying." "He was bleeding from his head and he was just limp. The dog tried to get up but his right leg and paw were broken and his head was bashed in. Then he collapsed and just laid still," said the neighbor, who asked to be anonymous.  Chambers is set to appear in court in September. In this case, Animal Control officers say it was critical that someone called for help. They want everyone to do the same if they witness abuse. The Animal Cruelty Task Force turned in a lengthy report with 50 recommendations to the City Council to fight back.

Foshan CHina Dog Abused, Eyes Gouged Out, Genitals Cut Off

The male dog, Xixi was found wandering the streets of the city Foshan in the Guangdon province of China with his eyes dug out and genitals mutilated. The Foshan dog struggled to survive day by day until a volunteer found the dog and rescued him to a clinic for an intensive medical treatment. Later, they name the dog Xixi. Xixi was taken for medical treatment by volunteers who saw him on the streets. Veterinarians who examined Xixi said he suffered external injuries from human abuse and because the wounds were not treated immediately, the wounds became infected. Xixi in time developed leukemia and died in the care of the volunteers.

The abuser has not been caught !!!

Read more: http://www.chinasmack.com/2010/pictures/foshan-dog-abused-eyes-gouged-out-genitals-cut-off.html/comment-page-1#comment-94675

WI man, Jacob Odekirk, 24, finding his dog hanged on a children’s swing at a park, and being just horrified. Thankfully, after an 8 month investigation including DNA evidence, they arrested who they believe is responsible, 20-year-old James M. DeGroff.

Odekirk let his dog, a German Shepherd name Smoky out about 2 am on November 4. When the dog didn’t come when he called and whistled, Odekirk spent hours searching for his missing canine companion. Imagine his horror the next day when he was contacted after employees with the Cascade Department of Public Works found the dog hanging from a swing at Cascade Memorial Park. The dog’s collar had been looped around the basket of an infant swing, leaving his back legs barely touching the ground.

There were also glove found at the scene with dog fur and saliva and a DNA match with material found on Smoky’s collar to DeGroff. The final “nail in the coffin”. He was charged with felony mistreatment of animals causing death, which carries a maximum penalty of 18 months in prison.

To read more:  http://fortheloveofthedogblog.com/news-updates/man-hangs-dog-in-retaliation

Mary Wild was charged with 8 misdemeanor counts of animal abuse.  Read the background story here.   She chose to forgo a jury trial for a bench trial.  BIG MISTAKE. Guilty on all 8 counts.  The judge stated he did not believe that Wild intended to hurt the show dogs in her care.  But she should have known better.   She faces 8 years in jail and $1,000 fine for each count.   Sentencing is scheduled for July 1, 2010.  She was paid money to show these dogs and she was negligent in caring for living beings that belonged to other people.   Mary Wild and her mother, Jeannie Wild, have their own dog breeding business, Wild Wind Malamutes.  I, uh, expect the prices on puppies will be raised real soon.

http://fortheloveofthedogblog.com/news-updates/justice-round-up-692010

Two Charged In Connection With Nowata County OK USA Puppy Mill

In all, 59 dogs were seized as part of a Nowata County Sheriff's Office investigation.

34-year-old Carolyn Vaughn [Nowata Co jail]

39-year-old Wesley Griner [Nowata Co jail]

NOWATA, OK -- Two Nowata County residents are free on bond after being arrested Friday in connection with an alleged puppy mill raided by law enforcement in May.  In all, 59 dogs were seized as part of a Nowata County Sheriff's Office investigation.

Animal control officer shoots 100 dogs Canton, MS (US)

Alleged: Alonzo Esco
Case Updates: Source: clarionledger.com - May 2, 2010 A Mississippi animal control officer accused of shooting to death scores of dogs was fired Wednesday from his position as a public servant, authorities said today. Esco allegedly killed at least 100 dogs and dumped them in a public water way.

Case Update

Man Arrested for Hanging Dog from Chain in Backyard.

19 year old Ricardo Salvador Plascenia was arrested in Hawthorn Calif.

Pit bull mix named Mary Jane (Photos Courtesy: Scott Varley/Daily Breeze)

More than a 100 animals taken in Zebulon North Carolina.

ZEBULON (WTVD) -- Wake County Animal Control said it collected over 100 dogs and cats that were living in unspeakable conditions after getting an anonymous tip. The animals were taken from a mobile home on Rosinburg Road. Investigators say it was a case of animal hoarding. "Worst conditions I've seen dogs and cats living in," said Michael Williams with Wake County Animal Control. Williams said the animals were kept with trash and junk cars on the property. After hours of searching, Williams said they found 108 animals still alive. There where 64 cats and 44 dogs were living in filth. "We found several dead animals as well in containers," said Williams. The animals belonged to Mary and Johnny Morton, a Zebulon couple, who Williams said were likely hoarders. "The owners surrendered all the animals too us," he said. "The animals were either absolutely terrified and had never been socialized with a person. Some had some pretty serious medical conditions." A total of 20 dogs were able to be saved. "Doing best we can to find all the animals we could so we could make sure that they were safe," said Williams. 

http://abclocal.go.com/wtvd/story?section=news/local&id=7359009

Twelve dogs found starving, neglected Cottondale, AL (US)

Disposition: Alleged
Case Images: 1 files available
Alleged: Ruben Hedgemon, Jr.

A Tuscaloosa County man was arrested and charged with cruelty to animals Friday morning after sheriff’s deputies found 12 emaciated and injured dogs at his home in Cottondale.  Some of the dogs showed evidence of dog fighting and all had been starved, he said. Others had injuries and infections. A dog’s skull was also found on the property. One 27-pound dog was tethered to a 33-pound heavy-gauge steel chain, 38-pound dog was tethered to a 31-pound chain and a dog weighing 39 pounds was tethered to a 21-pound chain. http://www.tuscaloosanews.com/article/20091114/NEWS/911139979/1007?Title=Pit-bull-abuse-charges-involve-starving-chains

Case Update:
Ruben Hedgemon, 33, was charged late Wednesday night with felony child abuse and misdemeanor third-degree domestic violence/assault. A grand jury indicted him on Feb. 11. He was arrested Wednesday and taken to the Tuscaloosa County Jail with bail set at $50,000. A veterinarian said that they had probably not been fed for two weeks. Seven of the 12 dogs had to be euthanized. Source: Tuscaloosanews.com - Mar 4, 2010 Update posted on Mar 8, 2010.
Read more:   http://www.pet-abuse.com/cases/15935/AL/US/#ixzz0o2tJabRx

And I thought this might be a quiet week.  Last week we had the tootsiebell who tossed a puppy out into oncoming traffic.  This week we have another woman who is a total abomination.  Maria Aguilar of Queens, New York has been arrested on charges of beating a dog so badly that the animal is virtually blind in his right eye, has a hip fracture, broken leg, three broken teeth and injuries to his ears.  One really pissed off neighbor decided enough was enough and got proof by using their cell phone camera to record the abuse.

You can view it below but be warned, it is very disturbing!!

Spike is an 11 month old bulldog that has been abused repeatedly over the past few months.  The video shows Maria Aguilar tossing Spike across a patio and against an iron fence.  He cowers down, Aguilar picks up an orange snow shovel and smacks the pup over the head.  Then she throws him to the other side of the patio.  You can hear the dog shrieking in the video. The ASPC then discovered that her husband had taken the dog to veterinarians 12 times in the past seven months for treatment. Maria Aguilar was arrested for aggravated animal cruelty and criminal possession of a weapon.  She faces two felonies and four years in jail.

 http://fortheloveofthedogblog.com/news-updates/woman-brutally-beats-the-family-pet-bulldog

There is a happy ending for Spike. See his story in Happy Endings section.

Puppy Mill Dogs Soon To Be Adopted. Charges expected soon for Nancy and John Garrison

Read more: Pet-Abuse.Com - Animal Abuse Case Details: Puppy mill - 94 dogs, 1 cat seized - Holly Springs, MS (US) http://www.pet-abuse.com/cases/16172/MS/US/#ixzz0o6uxU7bs

A little 6-month-old pitbull/mastiff puppy was the innocent victim when a domestic dispute got out of hand in Fairfax, VA. Terrence G. Merritt, 41, and Latoya Grant, 24, were arguing and Merritt threw the puppy out a second floor window of the King Louis Drive apartment.

The puppy suffered a broken front paw in the fall and was taken by animal control for medical treatment. It will most likely be available for adoption soon. Merritt and Grant were both arrested and charged with animal cruelty. They’ll be in court in October.

This is yet another case of domestic violence and animal abuse going hand in hand, an innocent victim paying the price. When you think about it, it could have just as easily been a child who was the victim. So for those of you who say “it was just a dog,” yes, in this case it was, but what about next time, or what about if there was a child there, who would have been the victim then? This is yet another reason why animal abuse needs to be prosecuted vigorously!!

Source:

http://fortheloveofthedogblog.com/news-updates/another-example-of-domestic-violence-and-animal-abuse-hand-in-hand-two-arrested

July 1, 2009 in City

Dog’s attacker sought; $5,000 offered for tip

A $5,000 reward is being offered for information about a man who pulled a 5-pound dog out of a car and smashed her against Spokane City Hall. The 4-year-old Shih Tzu was in a Volvo on Post Street about 7 p.m. June 22 while her owners were at a movie, said Sgt. Dave Reagan, of the Spokane County Sheriff’s Office. Surveillance video shows a male walking past the car, then kicking in the car’s window, pulling out the dog and swinging her on her leash before smashing her against the building. A female tries to pull the man away. The owners returned hours later to find the dog, Cocoa Butter, on the sidewalk. She might not survive.

Then: Dog beating suspect cooperating with police

September 4, 2009 in City

A man accused of beating a dog outside Spokane City Hall in June tried to turn himself in last week but was turned away because charges hadn’t been filed. An arrest warrant was issued for Michael J. Jones, 20, this morning after police filed a charging recommendation of first-degree animal cruelty late Thursday, said Spokane County Deputy Prosecutor Rachel Sterett. Jones hadn’t been charged previously because “we didn’t have a charging request from law enforcement,” Sterett said.

Jones is accused of throwing a 5-pound Shih Tzu named Cocoa Butter against a wall by her leash after smashing out a car window and pulling the dog from the car June 22. The dog’s owners, Louise and Tom Tuffin, returned from a movie to find the badly injured dog on the sidewalk. The incident was caught on surveillance video, and Crime Stoppers issued a reward for Jones’ capture.

Jones’ lawyer, Chris Bugbee said in a statement Friday that he and Jones have met with law enforcement investigating the case.

Couple Charged With Animal Cruelty hoarding.  31 Animals Seized From Pearl Home In Jackson Mississippi

Breeder charged with cruelty, 90 dogs seized Calhoun, FL (US)
Beth Hall
Incident Date: Friday, Apr 24, 2009
County: Calhoun Charges: Felony CTA Disposition: Alleged: Beth Hall
90 chihuahuas, 5 horses and 16 goats all were all taken by authorities from Beth Hall's small home in Calhoun County friday and now she faces animal cruelty charges. "There's numerous skulls, body parts, things like that out here, some that were suspected of being shot with a .22 caliber gun.

Case Update
Eighty-two dogs were seized from a Calhoun County home last week and today Bay County Animal Control receives the go ahead to start adopting out the chihuahuas. Beth Hall, the 59-year-old woman who the dogs were taken from, is charged with felony animal cruelty and 105 misdemeanor charges of animal neglect.
Source: Pan Handle Parade - May 1, 2009

http://www.pet-abuse.com/cases/15436/FL/US/

War hero's dog murdered

Marcus Luttrell found his dog lying in a ditch. She'd been shot in the left shoulder. Calls continue to come into the Walker County Sheriff's office from around the country -- total strangers are expressing their disgust and outrage over what happened, as well as concern for Luttrell who has already lost so much. At McKenzie's Barbecue in Huntsville, a local war hero's heartache is all the lunchtime crowd can talk about. "I'd hate to say it, but if I were in the position he was in, I would have shot them or shot at them," admitted lunch patron Ralph Lawson. Last week, former Navy SEAL Marcus Luttrell, the lone survivor of a fierce fight in Afghanistan, found himself at war with a different kind of enemy -- a group of men he says shot and killed his beloved dog. She was a white Labrador named DASY -- an acronym for the SEAL team members he lost in battle. Luttrell got in his truck and chased the vehicle and its four occupants more than 20 miles through three countie, driving at speeds over 100 miles an hour before making a citizen's arrest near Onalaska. He stayed on the line with a 911 operator the entire time.

Michael Edmonds and Alfonzo Hernandez  -- have been charged with cruelty and torture to a non-livestock animal. Investigators tell us they are suspects in at least three other similar cases. "I want them prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law," he said. "I mean, they murdered my dog. That's a member of my family. That's murder."

Both suspects have bonded out of jail. Detectives with the Walker County Sheriff's office will eventually present the findings of their investigation to the Walker County District Attorney's office, who in turn, will present this case to a grand jury. Luttrell received his dog from America's Vet Dogs, a group that provides service and guide dogs to members of the military. The dog services are provided at no cost to veterans. Earlier this year, a service dog was taken to Iraq to live with military members there to help reduce stress.http://abclocal.go.com/ktrk/story?section=news/local&id=6753738

Frank Zimmerman, a soldier at Ft. Bliss in El Paso, TX, and his wife, adopted two dogs from Pet Guardian Angel two weeks ago.  Now one, Tinkerbelle, is dead and the other, a puppy named Wrigley, has a broken leg.  Zimmerman has been arrested but it’s unclear what charges, if any, were brought against him.

PGA found out what happened when a Ft. Bliss official arrived at their facility and informed them. Wrigley was taken to Eastwood Animal Clinic to have his broken leg at the expense of their organization. Zimmerman’s wife said he didn’t mean to hurt the dogs but when they didn’t listen he took his anger out by beating them. “Frank beat Tinkerbelle with a leash and he stomped on her until she died,” she said. PGA staff say that El Paso needs to prosecute animal cruelty cases much more vigorously. “They need to be more strict. 

Animal rescue agency investigates director on cruelty allegations in Birmingham, Alabama

By Erin Stock -- The Birmingham News

Terra Cotromano, executive director of the Birmingham area animal welfare group known as TEARS has been fired. (Birmingham News file)

Suspects Charged In Washington County Georgia.

Dog Mistreatment.

                    

 A Port St. Lucie, FL man, Napoleon Zarah Davis, 31, has been charged with felony animal cruelty of dragging a dog nearly two miles behind a pickup truck.

Charged with felony animal cruelty after a pitbull he had tied in the back of his pickup truck on a 15 foot leash was dragged for almost two miles after she jumped out. Davis, who is listed as homeless but was staying with a brother, was taking the dog, who has been named Holly by the staff at Animal Hospital of West Port St. Lucie, to the humane society on Monday morning after family members would no longer care for her.

PORT ST. LUCIE — “Holly” is feeling more jolly. The year-old pit bull mix that was dragged nearly two miles behind a pickup truck Monday morning, “is doing really well.

THE 'HOLLY FUND'

Robertson said the ultimate cost could be much higher by the time the year-old pit bull mix goes through treatment at the clinic, recovery at a foster home and is, he hopes, “available for adoption to a loving home.”Robertson said the society has begun proceedings to get legal custody of the dog. To help, call (772) 461-0687.

 http://www.tcpalm.com/news/2009/dec/15/dog-dragged-for-2-miles-in-port-st-lucie-doing/

It was just a week ago that Jimmy Lovell, 45, of Knoxville, TN dragged the little 17-lb. terrier mix dog behind his truck for miles, people screaming and running after him, telling him he was dragging a dog. When he finally did stop, he grabbed the little dog, yelled and cursed at the witnesses, people who were concerned for the dog’s safety, tossed the injured dog in the truck and took off

Update:

Yesterday Knox County General Sessions Court Judge Patricia Long sent the case against Jimmy Lovell to the grand jury for felony animal cruelty indictment charges. She found that there was sufficient evident that a crime was committed, that this was no accident and that Lovell intentionally dragged his estranged girlfriend’s terrier mix dog on Nov. 3.

This is excellent news, there may be justice for Little Brown dog yet!  As for Little Brown Dog, not only may she get justice, she’s doing fantastic and should soon be getting a forever home.

Kitten beaten with rocks, set on fire Chester, PA (US)

In September, after 4 days of incessant barking, Greene County Animal Control seized 30 dogs from the Hookerton, NC property of Christopher McKinney, 35. Two more dogs were found at another location. Many of the dogs were without food, water or shelter, many cooped in cages, others tied down with heavy chains.

McKinney was facing 49 misdemeanor counts of various animal cruelty charges. Now McKinney is facing additional charges, one felony count of animal torture and three felony counts of dog fighting. The seized dogs were taken to Wake County Animal Shelter and to date at least one has had to be euthanized.

After receiving calls from neighbors in September about the dogs’ incessant barking, the scene the official found was seriously deteriorated in the four months. McKinney was initially arrested on arrested on 17 misdemeanor counts of restraining a dog in a cruel manner and 32 misdemeanor counts of cruelty to animals and was was released on $12,500 unsecured bond. Now we can add the felony dog fighting and torture charges to those misdemeanors.

http://fortheloveofthedogblog.com/news-updates/felony-charge-added-to-49-misdemeanor-animal-cruelty-charges-man-already-facing-video

This lovely piece of humanity, Tracia Johnson, 34 of Cahokia, IL, has been arrested and charged with cruel treatment of animals and two violations of animals owner’s duties — all misdemeanors, in relation to this cruelly abused dog.

Last Thursday while emptying the trash, a trashman saw a little face peering up at him from the bottom of a dumpster. That face belonged to Tommy, the Throwaway Dog as he’s been dubbed by his rescuers at Hope Animal Rescue. The little black pitbull mix weighed only 30 lbs, 15-20 lbs less than he should have. There was also an electrical cord wrapped around his neck that due to having been there for so long was embedded in the flesh. Tommy was also covered in burned and cuts.

“I’m a past canine guy, so it hit me pretty hard,” said Cahokia Police Lt. James Jones. “I’ve never seen an animal in such horrible condition.”

Police believe Johnson may have tossed the dog because she believed he was dead and Jackie Spiker of Hope Animal Rescue is amazed that he was alive. The cord embedded in his neck has caused the flesh to begin to rot and the smell was horrific. “He smelled like death,” Spiker continued. “I’ve never smelt anything like that. The vet said it was his rotting flesh … What was embedded in him was wiring and plastic, all of that stuff is going to cause a serious infection.”

If you'd like to read more: http://www.blogcatalog.com/blog/for-the-love-of-the-dog/f1a3f46707ff126fcf63055a89bb9157

Check out her page URL – http://www.myspace.com/sexyillinois – SEXY???

Dogs found severely malnourished, 8 seized Fort Pierce, FL (US)

Incident Date: Friday, Aug 28, 2009
County: Saint Lucie Charges: Felony CTA Disposition: Alleged
» Ezekiel Daughtry
» Jerzell Daughtry

Two brothers are facing animal cruelty charges after Fort Pierce Police detectives on Friday discovered several extremely malnourished dogs during a search of their home, according to a press release. Ezekiel Daughtry, 31, and Jerzell Daughtry, 22, both of 300 block of North 31st Street, are each charged with felony animal cruelty, marijuana possession and possession of drug paraphernalia, the release states. The Animal Control Unit took eight dogs from the home for treatment at the Treasure Coast Animal Hospital, the release states. As of Saturday morning, the younger brother was in St. Lucie County Jail in lieu of $1,500 bail. Information about Ezekiel Daughtry was not available.

References

• WPTV - Aug 28, 2009
• CBS 12 News - Aug 28, 2009                                                                                                                                                                    If you'd like to read more:  http://www.pet-abuse.com/cases/15758/FL/US/

Fort Pierce woman charged with animal cruelty for dead and starving animals in home

    

Michele Nunziata

The malnurished bloodhound reportedly removed from Nunziata's home.

A 23-ear-old Fresno, CA, man, James Mitchem got drunk and decided to play with a knife.  He taunted and teased, Rocky, a beagle that belonged to friend staying with his aunt and lo and behold, the dog snapped at him.  So what’s this winner do?  He stabbed the dog!

Rockey was stabbed in the chest and was actually a very lucky dog because if the knife had went just a bit further it could have pierced his chest cavity and possibly killed him.

“Fortunately, being very lucky, he did not sustain any damage to his heart and lungs. A matter of a quarter of an inch deeper and this could have penetrated his chest cavity and he could have died within minutes potentially,” said Dr. Todd Conlan at Waterhouse Animal Hospital.

And now Mitchem’s aunt, Peggy Gibson, is upset and says the police are taking this too far, that her nephew was drunk and didn’t mean to hurt the dog, that the dog bit him and Mitchem was just reacting. It was just self-defense again a bad tempered dog.

Mitchem is also being charged with evading arrest which is aunt is also upset about. “James didn’t evade any kind of capture. He was coming through the front door and they came up behind him in the back and nailed him to the wall. So I had more blood to clean up. I think they’re being excessive on him,” said Gibson. Luckily the police aren’t buying the sob story and they charged Mitchem with felony animal cruelty as well as evading arrest and set his bond at $20k. Rocky is expected to make a full recovery and be just fine, thankfully!

To read more: http://fortheloveofthedogblog.com/news-updates/man-stabs-dog-facing-felony-charges-family-thinks-police-taking-it-too-far-video

Puppy neglected, locked in filthy crate Port Saint Lucie, FL (US)

Incident Date: Wednesday, Apr 8, 2009
County: Saint Lucie
Disposition: Alleged
Alleged: Robert James Hester

If the 8-month-old puppy has a name, no one at the Humane Society of St. Lucie County knows what it is. But workers there are doing their best to care for the pit bull mix that is in obvious pain. "Some of the sores you see on her legs and on her rump end are consistent with being locked in a crate that's very dirty," said Operations Manger David Robertson. Port St. Lucie police found the dog on Shipping Road after they arrested Robert Hester, 48, on charges of selling drugs out of his home. It is not the first time Hester was accused of mistreating dogs. A 2004 arrest on charges of cruelty and dog fighting earned him two years in prison. "It's disgusting and deplorable," said Robertson. "Any type of abuse, whether it be on animals or humans, it's just disgustingly deplorable. We're really saddened by it here and we see it all too often." The Humane Society of St. Lucie County will rely on private donations for the puppy's extended care.

References

• WPBF - April 9, 2009                                                                            
  

Man charged with cruelty, dog euthanized.

             The dog had no body fat, ruptured corneas, mange, and multiple infections.

( page of 2 )

   By Karen Voyles Staff writer

Michael McReynolds, 25, of 75 S.W. 75th St., was charged with abandoning an animal and with animal cruelty that caused the cruel death or excessive pain or suffering of an animal. According to an arrest report by Animal Services officer Jennifer Ritchey, McReynolds took his adult male Shih Tzu named Baby to the county's animal shelter on May 28. According to the report, when Baby was dropped off,  McReynolds was booked into the Alachua County jail early Friday morning. Bond had not been set for him by Friday afternoon.

If you'd like to read more:

http://www.gainesville.com/article/20090725/ARTICLES/907251006?p=1&tc=pg

Shortly after the story became public about a Ft. Bliss soldier killing one recently adopted dog and injuring another, another story surfaced about another Ft. Bliss solider that was wanted to face animal cruelty charges.

In February 2008 a horrific discovery was made in a house that had been occupied by Sgt. Dwayne Sumter and wife Tnelda; a female pitbull, Little Pit Girl, that had been locked in a crate, was found starved to death curled up in a suitcase after she chewed her way out of the crate but found no food or water. It was estimated that she lived 30 days after being abandoned in the garage on the crate.

Sumter was transferred to Ft. Hood before the warrant could be served and then recently deployed to Iraq. Initially the military response was that it was a civilian warrant and up to civilian authorities to take care of it. Then the story and charges started to get public attention, a lot of public attention, especially with this being the second Ft. Bliss soldier accused of animal cruelty. All of the sudden the military gets involved and Sumter is returned from Iraq to face animal cruelty charges, 14 months after the fact.

We can only hope that there really will be justice for Little Pit Girl and Tinkerbelle, the two dogs that so brutally and cruelly lost their lives to soldiers, men who were supposed to serve and protect.

http://fortheloveofthedogblog.com/news-updates/second-ft-bliss-soldier-accused-of-animal-cruelty-finally-in-custody-video

Man arrested for starving bull dog.

Dog repeatedly sexually assaulted Bithlo, FL (US)

Incident Date: Tuesday, Jun 30, 2009
County: Orange
Disposition: Alleged
Alleged: Laszlo Arsenio Horvath

Laszlo Arsenio Horvath, 21, is charged with animal abuse for having sex with a whippet mix named Silvy. Orange County deputies said the dog's injuries were so severe she had to be put down. Deputies began investigating Horvath last month after receiving a tip on Crimeline about the alleged animal abuse. When deputies contacted Horvath at his home near Bithlo, they found the dog's legs were duct-taped closed with a cloth pressed against her lower half, according to an arrest affidavit. After Horvath refused to pay for medical attention to treat the dog, investigators convinced Horvath to turn the dog over to animal services. A veterinarian decided it would be best to euthanize the 8-year-old animal. A necropsy was conducted on the animal and veterinarians discovered human, male DNA inside the dog's body. Deputies conducted an interview with Horvath on Thursday during which officers say he confessed to sodomizing the dog several times. He told investigators he did it because "he was lonely," the report said. Horvath was arrested and taken to the Orange County Jail about 4 p.m. Thursday.

http://www.dreamindemon.com/2009/07/31/laszlo-horvath-really-really-loved-his-dog/

The Atlanta Journal-Constitution A Jonesboro man arrested for allegedly having sex with his dog was released from jail Friday night on $6,600 bond.

Enlarge photo

Clayton County Police Edwin Robles, 53, of Jonesboro, faces a felony bestiality charge.

Edwin Robles, 53, faces a felony bestiality charge, according to police. He was booked into the Clayton County jail in the early morning hours Friday, and was released around 9:30 p.m., according to jail records.

My friends, you remember Robert Suttles of Somerset, KY, the monster who brutally tortured his dog, Bowser by poisoning him with antifreeze, letting him suffer for days laying in the yard then kicked the dog to death and burned his body?  We all fought so hard, emails, calls, letters, a petition, to have the charges upgraded from a misdemeanor to a felony and now it looks like all our hard work, and all of Bowser’s suffering and pain may be for naught! We must contact the Sheriff and the DA and ask what’s going on with the case and put a little pressure on to make sure they haven’t dropped the ball. Bowser was brutally tortured and killed, the witness harassed and threatened and this monster may walk free!!

If you would like to read more:

http://fortheloveofthedogblog.com/news-updates/no-justice-for-bowser-dog-brutally-tortured-and-killed-by-owner

MORE CHARGES for this monster Gregory Samuels: Three counts of dog fighting and 15 counts of not having rabies vaccinations.

Man Faces Animal Cruelty and Burglary Charges in Marion County Oregon Dog sexually assaulted during break-in Mannington, WV (US)

Incident Date: Wednesday, Jul 8, 2009
County: Marion Charges: Misdemeanor, Felony Non-CTA
Disposition: Convicted
Defendant/Suspect: Christopher Adam Bagwell

The Farmington Police have arrested a man who they say broke into a home and abused a dog inside. Christopher Bagwell, 26 of Mannington, is charged with nighttime burglary, a felony and animal cruelty, a misdemeanor.

Case Updates
A 26-year-old man who allegedly broke into a Farmington home over the summer and performed an act of bestiality with the resident’s dog pleaded guilty to felony charges in Marion County Circuit Court on February 3, 2010. Marion Assistant Prosecutor Jeff Freeman said Bagwell, who was indicted in October, pleaded guilty to the animal-cruelty charge before Judge David R. Janes, and is awaiting sentencing.
Source: Timeswv.Com News - February 4, 2010 Update posted on Feb 4, 2010 - 3:02PM
Read more: Pet-Abuse.Com - Animal Abuse Case Details: Dog sexually assaulted during break-in - Mannington, WV (US) http://www.pet-abuse.com/cases/15628/WV/US/#ixzz0pxHRFHXG

Updated: Tuesday, 24 Mar 2009, 1:00 PM EDT

These are laws that every state should have.. 106 years for cruelty. You go New Mexico !!

Hoarding - 118 animals seized Mesilla, NM (US)

Incident Date: Friday, Aug 22, 2008
County: Dona Ana,  New Mexico

                                  
            
Charges: Misdemeanor, Felony CTA
Disposition: Convicted
Case Images: 1 files available   Authorities are meeting with prosecutors today to decide what charges to file against a pair of New Mexico State University employees suspected of hoarding 118 animals, mostly cats, at their Mesilla home. Mesilla Marshal Angelo Vega said charges may be pending against Carol and Lester Boyse of the 1700 block of Bilbo Lane. Vega said Dona Ana County sheriff's deputies were called to the home Thursday afternoon on a report of a dead horse. Deputies reportedly discovered 102 cats, some of which were dead and stored in a freezer, along with the two dead horses and an undetermined number of pot-bellied pigs, goats and birds.

Case Updates

 http://www.pet-abuse.com/cases/15434/MN/US/

Six agencies descended on 6690 Walsh Road Memphis to remove the dachshunds, Jack Russell terriers and other dogs. Charged is Patricia Kinney

Photos by Chris Desmond/Special to The Commercial Appeal Tammy Halbacha, a volunteer with the Collierville Animal Shelter, unloads a Jack Russell terrier that was surrendered to animal-control officials Friday at a suspected puppy mill. Most dogs were transported either to Collierville or Bartlett shelters for health evaluations. Shelby County authorities busted a suspected puppy mill in the Shelby Forest area Friday, confiscating 63 dogs and charging the owner with running a kennel without a license.

                                           

If you'd like to read more, help out or adopt one of these dogs:  http://www.commercialappeal.com/news/2008/feb/02/suspected-puppy-mill/