Puppy mill - 96 dogs, 5 cats seized
Lamar, AR (US)

Incident Date: Tuesday, Oct 6, 2009
County: Johnson

Charges: Felony CTA
Disposition: Alleged

Alleged:
» Christine Yarrington
» Lynn Elise Burkett

Two Johnson County women have been charged with felony cruelty to animals after a large dog-breeding operation was discovered.

Authorities say Christine Yarrington, 60, and Lynn Elise Burkett, 51, both of Lamar, were each charged in Johnson County Circuit Court on Thursday with eight counts of aggravated cruelty to animals.

Sheriff's deputies and the Humane Society of the United States served a search warrant on the women's rural property on Oct. 6. They discovered 96 dogs, five cats and two guinea pigs reportedly living in squalid conditions.

Officials say both women appeared before a judge Friday. Bail was set at $5,000 each.

If convicted, the women could be sentenced to up to six years in prison and fined up to $10,000 on each count.

References

• Today's THV - Oct 31, 2009

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