120 small dogs removed from 'deplorable' conditions

[Swiftwind]

120 small dogs removed from 'deplorable' conditions in East Lake

Author: Unkown
Publisher: Bay News 9
Date: April 9, 2008
Original Article: Pinellas County deputies seize more than 120 dogs - Bay News 9

PINELLAS COUNTY (Bay News 9) -- More than 120 small breed dogs have been seized as part of an animal neglect investigation in North Pinellas County.

According to the Pinellas County Sheriff's Office, the investigation began Monday after members of the Florida Department of Agriculture and the Suncoast Animal League called deputies to a private residence located on Ranch Road in Tarpon Springs.

The dogs were seized by the Suncoast Animal League and will be housed temporarily at three local animal shelters.

Deputies found more than 120 small-breed dogs living in small wire crates inside the home. According to deputies, each of the enclosures contained 2-8 dogs.

Officials said most of the dogs were living in their own feces and urine and some were injured. Suncoast Animal League officials said care for the animals ran up a large medical bill.

As a result, the league is accepting donations to help with care for the animals.

According to the Pinellas County Sheriff's Office, deputies will do an animal neglect investigation after which the matter will be referred to the state attorney's office to determine if criminal charges will be filed against the home owner and breeder, 69-year-old Teresita Hughes.

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[TeeBuccs]

Speak up Florida! Another black mark is about to go down on our record for the court's ruling last week to return 60 of a 120 rescued dogs from a "puppy mill" run out of Teresita Hughes personal residence. These animals were kept 24x7x365 in wire cages; 6-8 per cage stacked one on top of another. Food and water were covered in feces as well as the animals themselves. Many had rotten teeth, broken bones, poor ventilation which caused lung, heart and other diseases, as well as loss of fur and the spirit to live. God only knows how many died before they could be rescued.

But due to a cleverly hidden clause in a legal document enacted back in 1979 (boy wasn't the world a different place back then...) 1/2 of these dogs have been ordered to be returned to the "breeder." These rescued animals have been living in loving foster homes for over three months, receiving medical care, learning to be dogs and discovering human compassion. Now, why half returned? First, Teresita admits she couldn't handle the number she had - hmmmm, was that because she was caught? Bet if she hadn't of been, she wouldn't have surrendered ANY of them. She also realizes that over half of these animals are in such poor condition that they no longer can be bred (they would die if she tried). Here is the money grubbers dream come true chance to then ask for 1/2 back, the half that are healthy so she can continue perpetuating her crime.

As a society we tolerate this? Some would argue these are just dogs - her property. I say if we view animals in this manner, where do we draw the line? If we can be compassionate to defenseless, voiceless animals, what pray tell would we do to help others? I think this situation is indicative of what our country is becoming - GREED. Money over everything and to hell with who gets hurt in the process. I for one can not even think about sleeping at night knowing that we've allowed these animals to go back to a lifestyle NOT ONE OF US would want for ourselves!!!

Please write, petition, call the media, and tell everyone you know. The only way to make a change is to take an action and keep interest alive. Somewhere down the line as humans we need to take a stand or we might as well just let society run amuck.