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Case #15212 Rating: 2.3 out of 5
Puppy Mill - nearly 300 dogs seized
Mount Olive, NC (US)Incident Date: Friday, Feb 6, 2009
County: Wayne
Charges: Misdemeanor
Disposition: Convicted
Defendant/Suspect: Virginia Thornton
Case Updates: 2 update(s) available
Tuesday afternoon, a Wayne County judge was scheduled to decide if the county would retain custody of the dogs or if they would be returned to their owner. But as the hearing was scheduled to begin, county officials stood at the doors of the locked and dark courtroom where it was supposed to be held. Word quickly spread that attorneys for both sides were working out an agreement in which the case was dismissed and Thornton relinquished custody of the dogs to Wayne County.
While waiting for the news, more than a dozen animal rights activists packed a hallway outside the courtroom where the hearing was scheduled to take place. One brought a large sign that said, "No puppy mills in Wayne County." Another stood off to the side, crying into her hands.
"It's hard knowing somebody could sleep at night, the conditions some of these dogs were in," animal lover Angel Zebraski said through her tears.
Friday, Wayne County animal control officers seized 283 dogs from Thornton Kennels in Mount Olive, N.C., from what they described as a puppy mill. Animal rights groups say puppy mills are businesses that breed large numbers of animals to sell the babies for profit. They say oftentimes in these cases, there are so many animals the business owners can't provide proper care.
"These animals, they've never felt the security of solid ground, many have never seen sunlight," said Scotlund Haisley, senior director of emergency services for the Humane Society of the U.S. Haisley was part of the team that seized the dogs Friday.
Justin Scally, Wayne County's animal control director, said he turned over their evidence in the case to the district attorney, in hopes he will file criminal charges of animal cruelty and neglect against Thornton.
Thornton did not want to talk to the media Tuesday, but her attorney, Billy Strickland, reported she denies any wrongdoing.
"She's a 65-year-old lady, and of course she's sad about [giving up] her dogs," Strickland said.
Wayne County is releasing the dogs to the Humane Society of the United States, who will in turn give them to rescue groups all across the country to adopt out.
Animal care experts warn that not just anyone should try to adopt the dogs because many will likely require special care.
"They may need a little bit more care, work, and time than you would just a normal puppy that's been in a home its whole life," explained Dr. Lisa Dixon, a veterinarian with Sharon Lakes Animal Hospital in Charlotte, who has been serving as head veterinarian for the emergency shelter set up in Wayne County for the dogs. "Most of those concerns involve very bad teeth and dental disease, some of them have wounds, others just need to be rehabilitated from a physical and psychological standpoint."
Dr. Dixon also urged people considering adopting one of the dogs to consider their financial situation before committing, since many of the dogs will also require extra veterinary care.
Case UpdatesA District Court judge on Thursday found a Wayne County woman guilty of a dozen misdemeanor charges of animal cruelty.
County animal control officers seized 283 dogs from Thornton's Kennel in February. Many of the animals were emaciated, had untreated cuts and were housed in filthy conditions, authorities said.
Kennel owner Virginia Thornton, of Mount Olive, received two 45-month suspended jail sentences and must serve 36 months on probation, pay a $2,000 fine and perform 48 hours of community service. Under the terms of her probation, she is banned from breeding animals or owning any except for the two dogs she currently has.
Testifying on behalf of the state, Dr. Kelli Ferris, an expert witness from North Carolina State University's College of Veterinary Medicine, said Thursday that she observed chain collars on the dogs at the time of their rescue that had been on the animals for a prolonged period.
"It shows a complete lack of understanding by this breeder," she said, adding that she believes the animals had been deprived of necessary medical care. | Source: WRAL - Aug 13, 2009
Update posted on Aug 14, 2009 - 4:23PM |
The woman accused of running a puppy mill in Wayne County is in court this week.
Nearly 300 dogs were seized from a kennel run by Virginia Thornton.
Thornton is charged with a dozen counts of animal cruelty.
Authorities say she ran a puppy mill from her home, and that many of her dogs were in bad shape.
Animal control removed the animals last February with help from the humane society.
Authorities say many of the dogs were emaciated, had cuts and eye infections.
Members of the humane society watched from the courtroom, and are hoping for justice.
“We’re hoping that she will be found guilty of the 12 counts of animal cruelty to show that the way that the dogs were living was substandard and we’re not going to accept it,” said Humane Society Dir., Amanda Arrington.
The trial is expected to resume Thursday. | Source: wnct.com - Aug 13, 2009
Update posted on Aug 13, 2009 - 1:07PM |
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