Puppy mill - over 100 animals seized
Mount Perry, OH (US)

Incident Date: Tuesday, Nov 30, 2004
County: Perry

Disposition: Alleged

Alleged:
» Debbie Mitton
» James Hagely, DVM

More than 100 animals were confiscated from the home of Deb Mitton in December. Some 80 dogs were covered in mud, maggots and feces. Now Mitton and the vet she works for are under investigation again, this time with the Ohio Veterinary Medical Board. The vet is now under investigation because the Perry Co dog warden said he also found controlled drugs inside the home of Mitton when the dog raid happened back in December. Mitton works for Dr James Hagley of Lancaster & the board is trying to find out if the drugs Mitton had came from Dr Hagley. 

Hagley has been under investigation before for allowing vet techs like Mitton to order a long list of drugs for their own use. In 1993 they found Hagley guilty of gross incompetence and said he participated in behavior that was not only illegal but beyond his scope to practice medicine.  The files say some of his vet techs like Mitton were getting hundreds of pills including 14 different types, including Darvon, Darvocet, Ativan, Fastin, and Tylenol with codeine.  Hagley said allowing techs to get drugs at his hospital isn't happening any longer.  If it is found that Hagley is, he could have his license suspended again. 

Mitton is still working at Hagley's, but he said she is not doing any vet work. Her license expired nine months ago.  Mitton and her husband are facing 18 counts each of animal cruelty for not caring for the 100 animals in their care.   They pleaded not guilty in court March 7 - their trial date has not been set.

Perry County has charged Ed and Debbie Mitton  with 18 counts each of cruelty to animals. 

An AKC investigator found the dogs and premises to be in such poor conditions that she suspended their AKC privledges.  Just one of her observations was an outside 10x10 pen with more than 50 male & female poodles in it. 

References

• NBC 4

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