FAIRBANKS — A Sullivan County woman with more than 200 dogs, cats, horses and other animals is being investigated for alleged animal neglect by Indiana State Police in cooperation with the Humane Society of the United States and other agencies.
A Humane Society of the United States representative described the operation as a “puppy mill,” defined by the organization as a commercial breeding operation “that puts profit above the health and welfare of the puppies and their parents.”
State Police and several support agencies converged on the northwest Sullivan homestead Wednesday morning. The rural home is near Fairbanks.
The animals’ owner declined to comment to media, and police were not releasing the woman’s name. The investigation continues, and no arrest was made.
State Police followed up after receiving a complaint late last week that the animals were in poor health, underfed and living in squalid conditions, said Sgt. Joe Watts.
Initial reports indicated there were as many as 300 dogs, and early this week, State Police solicited the assistance of the other agencies.
The actual number was about 150 dogs, 35 to 50 cats, 25 to 30 horses and eight to 10 ponies, all of various breeds. “Some of the animals appeared to be living in conditions as initially reported,” according to a State Police news release.
On Wednesday, local veterinarians and members of the HSUS Animal Rescue assessed each animal’s needs and conditions. Those assessments showed that 67 animals were in need of urgent care, Watts said.
Many of the dogs were emaciated and suffered from medical conditions such as open sores, broken limbs and severe skin conditions, according to HSUS representatives.
State Police and Humane Society representatives then consulted with the owner, who voluntarily gave up permanent custody of the 67 animals, which were turned over to the Humane Society of the United States.
The animals — 52 dogs, 10 horses, four cats and one goat — were transported by trucks and trailers to the Sullivan County 4-H Fairgrounds, where an emergency shelter was set up.
Every animal was to be assessed by a veterinarian and given any necessary medical attention. They then will be transferred to humane organizations where they will be evaluated and placed for adoption, according to an HSUS news release.
State Police went to the scene with search warrants and court paperwork, but the owner was “very cooperative, so we haven’t had to use any of our court paperwork,” Watts said. “She consented to the search.”
Once the investigation is complete, results will be turned over to the Sullivan County prosecutor, Watts said. Violation of Indiana’s animal neglect statute is a class B misdemeanor, punishable by up to 180 days in jail and a maximum of a $1,000 fine.
Anne Sterling, HSUS Indiana state director, described the operation as a puppy mill, or commercial breeding operation.
“We have quite a few commercial breeding facilities in Indiana, and these facilities, unless they are regulated by the U.S. Department of Agriculture, are not regulated,” Sterling said.
“These folks are not being inspected by any state government agency. They can have as many animals as they choose,” she said. “It’s definitely an issue in Indiana that needs to be addressed.”
She said it’s frustrating because “there is only so much we can do to help.”
In Indiana, if such a breeding operation sells wholesale to pet stores, it should be licensed by the U.S. Department of Agriculture, she said.
But if the operation conducts sales by Internet or along the road, she said it does not have to be licensed. “That’s the gap in Indiana,” she said. Such operations are not regulated or inspected by any agency.
The case was investigated by ISP Detective Tom Hanks, with assistance from other detectives and troopers. Other agencies involved were: the Sullivan County Sheriff’s Department; Sullivan County Prosecutor’s Office; Indianapolis Department of Animal Control; U.S. Department of Agriculture, Investigative and Enforcement Services; U.S. Department of Agriculture, Office of Inspector General; U.S. Humane Society; Humane Society of Missouri; Monroe County Humane Society; Honey Creek Animal Hospital; and Horse and Angels Rescue, according to a State Police news release.
Sue Loughlin can be reached at (812) 231-4235 or sue.loughlin@tribstar.com.
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Joe Watts/Indiana State Police
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Discussion
Police investigate alleged Sullivan County animal neglect
Humane Society of the United States calls operation with 200 animals 'puppy mill'
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