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Brother, sister accused in puppy mill bust face charges

RUTHERFORD COUNTY, N.C. — A brother and sister in Rutherford County are facing animal cruelty charges in a suspected puppy mill bust Channel 9 first reported on last week.

Police said Barbara and Dean Upchurch kept 52 dogs on Ferry Road. Animal Control seized the dogs last week.

RELATED: 56 dogs rescued from suspected puppy mill receive treatment in Charlotte

Barbara faces three counts of misdemeanor animal cruelty while Dean faces 41 counts.

The Humane Society of Charlotte is now caring for the dogs.

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