Puppy mill- 17 dogs found in deplorable conditions Arcadia, FL (US) Incident Date: Wednesday, Apr 30, 2003 County: De Soto Local Map: available Disposition: Alleged Alleged: Barbara Wallace

Case ID: 1328 Classification: Neglect / Abandonment Animal: dog (non pit-bull) View more cases in FL (US) Login to Watch this Case

Animal control officers rescued seventeen poodles from an alleged backyard breeder in Arcadia. The owner, Barbara Wallace,  was charged with animal cruelty and her dogs have been taken away. The dogs were found in deplorable conditions. Many of the dogs were in such bad shape, they had lost their eyesight, teeth and hearing. Four of the dogs have already been put to sleep, while thirteen are still struggling to stay alive.

Officers said the dogs were treated like breeding machines. They lived in cramped crates in the living room and bedrooms, with no clean food or water. Many of the dogs were infested with fleas and dirt.

Many of the dogs are still afraid of a human touch. One in particular has matted hair from standing in urine and feces. Most of the dogs have eye and ear problems. Some of them are even deaf and blind.

Animal control officers describe the set up as a bad back yard breeder. It�s similar to a puppy mill where dozen of dogs are bred and kept in cramped conditions, but on a smaller scale.

"I would venture to say that 90-percent of all the puppies that go to all pet stores across the entire country are coming from puppy mills and poor backyard breeders," said Scott Trebatoski, Director of Lee County Animal Services.

All of the rescued dogs should survive, but many will live with lifelong health problems.

Lee County Animal Services agreed to take the dogs because Desoto County Animal Control couldn't hold all of them.

They're still looking for a groomer to help clean up the dogs because they are so matted and dirty.

Wallace has been charged with animal cruelty. She may face some fines, but she was not arrested. She is reportedly caring for at least one dog and several other animals.

Once the dogs have been nursed back to health, they will be up for adoption around May 10th. Anyone interested in giving one of the dogs a home should call Lee County Animal Services at 432-2090.

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