49 dogs surrendered by breeder, some die
Naples, FL (US)

Incident Date: Tuesday, Jul 19, 2011
County: Collier

Disposition: Not Charged

Person of Interest: Arthur Perkins

The number of dogs surrendered Thursday by a backyard breeder increased to 49. Most of them puppies and some were still attached to umbilical chords. We found out the breeder is being applauded by some and criticized by others.

An eviction notice is on Arthur Perkins' front gate.

Thursday morning, a deputy serving the notice called Animal Services so Perkins could surrender the dogs living on his land.

But not all of them made it to the shelter. One mother and her litter died during birth. The rest are now at shelters and foster homes across the county.

There are 20 adult dogs and 29 puppies - all labs and golden retrievers.

Some of them were in poor health with ant bites and fleas.

"The mothers were overheated when they got here. They had probably been outside with insufficient shade and insufficient amount of water," said Linda George, with the Naples Humane Society.

Perkins is an experienced breeder and he was praised by Collier Domestic Animal Services for surrendering his dogs so they could be adopted.

Others, though, say he was running a puppy-mill.

"This person should really not be breeding animals," said George.

Animal Services officials say Perkins passed site inspections, but the conditions were "not what an animal-lover would consider acceptable conditions."

Cathy Cottrill, with Golden Retriever Rescue of Southwest Florida, is an animal lover.

"These dogs--they're just an amazing breed," she said about the retrievers.

Last month, she adopted a dog from Perkins.

"We're really glad that he's out of business," she said.

He's out of business for now, but not facing any charges. Collier County does not regulate breeding and Animal Services officials we spoke to say his operation was lawful.

Perkins did keep four dogs. That has Cottrill and others worried that he will start again wherever he winds up.

"There's nothing to stop him from acquiring a few more drugs and picking right up where he left off," she said.

The puppies will be ready for adoption in eight weeks. Meanwhile, the adult dogs will be up for adoption by the end of the month.

If you are interested in adopting any of these animals, you can call the

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