HUDSON, N.C.,None — Caldwell County Animal Control officers took nearly 300 dogs into custody from a suspected puppy mill in Hudson Thursday.
SLIDESHOW: Hundreds Of Dogs Seized From Kennel
Officers obtained a search and seizure warrant after a lengthy investigation into the Mason Creek Kennels, located on Free Mason Road, according to Caldwell County Animal Control. Kimberly Alboum, state director of the Humane Society, said animal control officers contacted her after finding the dogs in crowded, inhumane conditions during a rabies check at the kennel.
During the search and seizure, several dead animals were found, officers said. Dozens of animals were packed in crates, and feces and garbage was found throughout the home, officials said.
"Many of these dogs have never stepped in grass, they've never been on carpet, they've never heard a doorbell (and) they don't know what a TV is," Alboum said. "These animals have just lived as breeding machines in cages."
But Alboum said that's changing.
"I think it's going to take a little bit of TLC and some medical care and they're going to have wonderful lives," she said.
A temporary shelter for the dogs is being paid for by PetSmart Charities and was set up at the Caldwell County Fairgrounds in Lenoir.
On Friday, veterinarians checked out each dog. Some are just puppies no bigger than your hand, while others are fully grown with extensive medical problems from excessive breeding and neglect.
"It's a terrible thing that these animals have lived through," said Ron Stilwell with the Caldwell Humane Society.
The dogs will be picked up by various rescue shelters this weekend for rehabilitation and medical care, officials said. The dogs are not available for immediate adoption, as they will stay in the custody of the shelters until they have completed the necessary medical care.
Anyone interested in adopting one of the dogs should contact the following shelters next week for more information as to when they will be available.
• Humane Society of Charlotte • Wake County SPCA • Guilford County Animal Shelter • Saving Grace Animals for Adoptions • Carolina Animal Rescue and Adoption of Lee County
Caldwell County officials said the kennels are owned by William Thomas Allen, and that charges are pending in the case.
A relative of Allen's spoke on the family's behalf Thursday.
"As far as I know, they don't think they've done anything wrong," Bill Weaver said.
According to the Mason Creek Kennels website, Allen has 28 years of selective breeding experience and full American Kennel Club accreditation. The website lists the breeds available as Boston terrier, French bulldog, Japanese chin, MaltiPoo, Pomeranian, Shih Tzu, Shih Poo, Shorkie Tzu and Yorkie puppies.
SLIDESHOW: Puppies That Appear On Kennel's Website
The American Kennel Club said it has placed Allen on temporary referral, meaning he can't use AKC services until further investigation takes place.
According to the Better Business Bureau, Mason Creek Kennels has a F rating for failing to respond to complaints. To see the BBB report on the company, click here.
Humane Society officials urged people who want to help to give donations to local shelters and to lobby their local legislator to pass a bill that would create minimum care standards for commercial pet breeders in North Carolina.
More Information: Find Your Legislator Federal, State Dog Breeding Laws
Previous Stories: August 19, 2010: Dogs Rescued From NC Puppy Mill July 2, 2010: Dozens Of Dogs Rescued From Puppy Mill May 5, 2005: Eyewitness News Tracks Down Dogs Rescued From Puppy Mill July 1, 2003: Testimony Continues In Union County Dog Case April 24, 2003: 9 Investigates: Hundreds Of Dogs Seized In Raid
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