Hundreds Of Dogs Seized From Suspected Puppy Mill

HUDSON, N.C. -- Caldwell County Animal Control officers took nearly 300 dogs into custody from a suspected puppy mill in Hudson Thursday.

SLIDESHOW: Hundreds Of Dogs Seized From Kennel

Officers obtained a search and seizure warrant after a lengthy investigation into the Mason Creek Kennels, located on Free Mason Road, according to Caldwell County Animal Control. Kimberly Alboum, state director of the Humane Society, said animal control officers contacted her after finding the dogs in crowded, inhumane conditions during a rabies check at the kennel.

During the search and seizure, several dead animals were found, officers said. Dozens of animals were packed in crates, and feces and garbage was found throughout the home, officials said.

“Many of these dogs have never stepped in grass, they've never been on carpet, they've never heard a doorbell (and) they don't know what a TV is,” Alboum said. “These animals have just lived as breeding machines in cages.”

But Alboum said that’s changing.

“I think it’s going to take a little bit of TLC and some medical care and they're going to have wonderful lives,” she said.

A temporary shelter for the dogs is being paid for by PetSmart Charities and was set up at the Caldwell County Fairgrounds in Lenoir.

On Friday, veterinarians checked out each dog. Some are just puppies no bigger than your hand, while others are fully grown with extensive medical problems from excessive breeding and neglect.

“It's a terrible thing that these animals have lived through,” said Ron Stilwell with the Caldwell Humane Society.

The dogs will be picked up by various rescue shelters this weekend for rehabilitation and medical care, officials said. The dogs are not available for immediate adoption, as they will stay in the custody of the shelters until they have completed the necessary medical care.

Anyone interested in adopting one of the dogs should contact the following shelters next week for more information as to when they will be available.

• Humane Society of Charlotte
• Wake County SPCA
• Guilford County Animal Shelter
• Saving Grace Animals for Adoptions
• Carolina Animal Rescue and Adoption of Lee County

Caldwell County officials said the kennels are owned by William Thomas Allen, and that charges are pending in the case.

A relative of Allen's spoke on the family's behalf Thursday.

Japanese Chin - Mindy - Small - Adult - Female - Dog | Colorado ...

Hello! My name is Mindy and I'm a 7 pound female Japanese Chin born on 8/19/2008. I am a very sweet girl but I'm quite timid from my lack of experience with people. The rescuers are very nice and I know that I'll be a little braver everyday. I will need a securely fenced yard. I hope that you will find it in your heart to give me a family to love and to learn all about being loved. Thanks so much!

Dog fancy

Beautiful puppies expected in 2010! Champion bloodlines. ... The Japanese Chin was developed in Japan, but most likely originated in China centuries ago. ...

Unconditional Love

I wanted to see her Japanese Chin puppies." Sue made the call. Mrs Anderson said "Yes, you are talking about Laura Law. She lives in Macon. ...

AKC gazette

Ten years after seeing my first Japanese Chin, I finally found and was able ... in order to keep all their charms the same today, Chin breeders and owners ...

The Complete Burke's Backyard, The Ultimate Book of Fact Sheets

To prevent this breeders recommend wiping the area gently with a cotton bud, or Japanese Chin suggest using a small amount of talc powder to keep the area ...

The Crimson Shadow

But no, we were going to see the Japanese Chin breeder, who met us at the airport with yet another of the little beasties. This one's the biggest and the ...