An investigation continued Friday into a possible puppy mill located on property in Marshall County owned by the deputy coroner, John Garrison, and his wife.
A team led by the Marshall County Sheriff's Department and the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals seized more than 90 dogs and puppies Thursday in a raid on the property at 210 Turner Cove.
The Garrisons signed over custody of the animals to officials. No charges had been made Friday. Sheriff Kenny Dickerson said the investigation was continuing.
An ASPCA representative said dogs and puppies, mostly small breeds, were discovered living in feces-encrusted pens. Several dead dogs also were found.
Tim Rickey, the ASPCA's senior director of field investigations and response, defined puppy mills as "substandard commercial breeding operations that house dogs in overcrowded and often unsanitary conditions, without adequate veterinary care, food, water and socialization."..." More
- 95 dogs found living in "deplorable" conditions at puppy mill
- Several carcasses discovered on property
- MS couple expected to be charged with misdemeanor Animal Cruelty
A tip led investigators to a rural home where they discovered one of the worst puppy mills they've ever seen.
A Mississippi couple faces dozens of misdemeanor counts of Animal Cruelty. Investigators with the Marshall County Sheriff's Office and the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals found 95 dogs living in what they call "deplorable conditions" early Thursday. Animal experts say the type of matted hair found on some of the dogs took years to grow. It's proof, they say, of neglect and abuse of 95 dogs found on the property. Investigators think the operation had gone on for a while, even though neighbors say they never suspected anything. It's possible the couple took in animals, but then just had too many to care for. At some point, authorities say they started to breed more -- for profit.
"I think she's probably a very nice person and she's trying to help these animals out," says Mary Champlin who lives next door.
Neighbors watch in shock, as one by one the animals are tagged and evaluated. Most have disease and malnutrition. Marshall County Prosecutor Shirley Byers says she found carcasses all over the property, skeletal remains inside pens, and a pile of ash where she thinks the homeowners disposed of dead animals..." More & video
