More than 130 dogs removed from suspected South Georgia ‘puppy mill’
State agents executed a search warrant Wednesday at a southeast Georgia property, where they seized 136 allegedly neglected dogs from a suspected puppy mill, officials said.
Several rescue groups are assisting the Georgia Department of Agriculture with the seized dogs, including the Atlanta Humane Society, the state agency said in a statement Thursday.
According to the AHS, the dogs were mostly smaller breeds like Maltese, Shih-Tzus, Boston terriers, Pomeranians and Dachshunds.
“These innocent dogs were confined to wire cages, left in the cold with matted fur soaked in urine and feces and denied even the most basic veterinary care,” the AHS said.
The GDA’s Law Enforcement Division secured the search warrant after they got a tip about suspected animal abuse at a kennel in Pierce County, the agency said. The dogs were moved to a second location and provided veterinary care.
State officials did not say if anyone had been arrested in the case or if they expected to take out charges against the kennel owner. GDA representatives have not responded to questions about criminal charges.
Pierce County is just north of Waycross and about 35 miles west of Brunswick.
Georgians can contact several organizations, in addition to the AHS, to inquire about adoption or fostering arrangements: Renegade Paws Rescue, K9 Battle Buddies, Allmon’s All About Animals, Liberty County Animal Services and Humane Society of Greater Savannah. Visit atlantahumane.org to learn more or donate directly to the dogs’ care.
About the Author
Henri Hollis is a reporter and restaurant critic for the Food & Dining team. Formerly a freelance writer and photographer with a focus on food and restaurants, he joined the AJC full-time in January 2021, first covering breaking news. He is a lifelong Atlantan and a graduate of Georgia Tech.
