After six weeks of legal limbo, Roane County agents have seized an additional two dozen dogs from an alleged puppy mill near Midtown.
Monday morning, a judge ruled Marjorie Dodd, 72, must turn over all her remaining animals to the county. Dodd faces a dozen charges, a half dozen for animal cruelty and another half dozen for failure to vaccinate against rabies.
If Dodd is found to have animals again, Johnathan Sanchez, an investigator for the District Attorney's office says her current misdemeanor charges could be upgraded to felony charges.
"They've done a great job today, going back on the property and getting these dogs out, we're tickled with what's gone on," Karen Marquand, of the Small Breed Rescue of East Tennessee said..." More & video
A woman under investigation for operating a puppy mill has been charged with six counts of animal cruelty after authorities for the third time discovered dogs jammed together in poorly ventilated sheds, jerry-built pens and portable carriers.
Virtually all of the 90 dogs and puppies found on Marjorie Dodd's Poland Hollow Road property in Harriman on Wednesday had health problems ranging from infected jaws to mange to flea infestations, John Sanchez said.
Twenty-eight animals with the most severe health issues were seized, said Sanchez, an investigator with the Roane County District Attorney General's office.
Dodd, 72, has been cited for six counts of animal cruelty. Future charges would be upgraded from misdemeanors to felonies, Sanchez said.
Wednesday's raid by Roane County animal control officers was the third time in two years that authorities have inspected Dodd's property.
Nearly 100 dogs were found there in August 2008, when Dodd was given an "ultimatum" to improve the animals' living conditions, Sanchez said.
Fifteen animals seized then were in such poor condition they had to be euthanized, he said.
Inspectors returned last August and conditions were essentially unchanged, with 149 dogs and puppies there.
Authorities found much the same situation Wednesday, with the animals in "extremely cramped conditions," Sanchez said..." More
