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Case Snapshot

Case ID: 18459

Classification: Neglect / Abandonment

Animal: dog (non pit-bull)

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Attorneys/Judges

Judge(s):

Jeb Fannin

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CONVICTED: Was justice served?

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Case #18459 Rating: 1.8 out of 5

Puppy mill - 217 small breed dogs seized
Talladega, AL (US)

Incident Date: Monday, Aug 10, 2009
County: Talladega

Charges: Misdemeanor
Disposition: Convicted
Case Images: 1 files available

Defendant/Suspect: Millie Henderson

Case Updates: 1 update(s) available

The owner and operator of an alleged puppy mill on Cemetery Mountain that was raided Monday afternoon turned herself in to the Talladega County Sheriff's Office Wednesday afternoon.

Millie Henderson, 62, of 1799 Cemetery Mountain Road, is charged with 51 counts of misdemeanor animal cruelty. She was released from the Talladega County Jail after posting a $1,000 bond, according to Talladega Police Chief Alan Watson. If convicted, she faces up to six months in jail on each charge.

Sheriff's deputies, along with Talladega Police and Animal Control and volunteers from Sylacauga and Pell City removed 217 mostly small breed dogs from Henderson's residence Monday.

The mothers with young puppies (including litters that were only one day old and three days old when the animals were rescued) were generally kept in clean, cool conditions, but many of the other animals were kept in cages outside, in filthy conditions. Several had open sores, and some had maggots underneath them. The smell of feces hung heavily, according to several people who were present during the raid.

The majority of the dogs were taken to the animal shelter in Talladega, but about 65 went to the shelter in Pell City.

Although the alleged mill was outside the city's jurisdiction, the county does not have a shelter or any animal control personnel, thus the joint effort.

Personnel at the Talladega Shelter began work Thursday afternoon to get all of the dogs from outside bathed and trimmed. Several of these dogs had tremendous amounts of matted fur all over them.

The shelter is asking for donations, particularly of dog and puppy food, cleaning supplies, towels and blankets and, if possible, kennels with grate floors.

Over the weekend, when the shelter is closed, donations may be dropped off at the Talladega Fire Department. Also, Tractor Supply Company will deliver any donated items purchased there to the shelter.

Volunteers are also needed, particularly those with some experience in dog grooming.

None of the Cemetery Mountain dogs is currently available for adoption. By law, they cannot be adopted out until after the criminal case against Henderson has been resolved. There are other dogs and cats currently living at the shelter that are available for adoption, however. The fee is $45 for a dog and $35 for a cat, with the adoption fee entitling the owner to a certificate for spaying or neutering.

The Talladega animal shelter is located off South McMillian Street. Supervisor Jessica McDonald can be reached at 256-362-5856. Donations may also be sent to P.O. Box 498, Talladega, Alabama, 35161.

Case Updates

References

• « AL State Animal Cruelty Map
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