Puppy mill - over 30 animals Lafe, AR (US) Date: Sep 15, 2005 Disposition: Alleged Alleged: Kathy Hosier

Case ID: 5550 Classification: Neglect / Abandonment Animal: dog (non pit-bull) View more cases in AR (US) « Back to Search Results Login to Watch this Case

The Clay County Sheriff's Department was investigating an alleged rape on the afternoon of Sept 15 when they came across more than 30 pure bred dogs estimated to be worth $10,000-$12,000 and 15 birds in a residence on County Road 402.

�I feel that in the next week, we would have had several dead dogs,� said Sheriff Ronnie Cole.

36-year-old Kathy Hosier is charged with making false statements and 60 counts of animal cruelty. �Unfortunately in Arkansas, it's a misdemeanor, but it can be a year in jail and a substantial fine,� said Cole.

Hosier was charged in Clay County District Court in Piggott, and was taken to the county jail after District Judge Rick Rodery set bail at $50,000.

The dogs, locked behind pens with no food or water, were forced to survive by feeding on themselves.

�The worst thing I saw was two Westies that were actually eating the carcass of a dead dog that was in the pen with them, which had been in there for probably two weeks,� said Veterinarian Dr. Phil Daffron.

The Corning Wal-Mart donated food for the animals immediately, and Dr. Daffron worked to save the worst cases.

�It's the worst case I've seen. Just because of the sheer number of dogs involved,� said Daffron.

The animals won't be available for adoption until Hosier's trial comes to an end. Until then, they will remain under the care of the Northeast Arkansans for Animals. The group is in need of volunteers and foster families for the dogs and birds.

For more information, contact Wannda Turner at (870) 932-1955.

Arkansas is one of nine states that does not impose felony-level penalties for acts of animal cruelty.

References

	KAIT - Sept 16, 2005
	NWAnews - Sept 17, 2005
	Clay County Democrat - Sept 21, 2005

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