BY JESI MUNGUIA
Police and animal control officials in Montmorency county are investigating a case of animal abuse at what they say is a puppy mill. Officials found dozens of dogs near hypothermia, with no water, feeding on what appeared to be a road-kill deer.
The County Undersheriff says 23 dogs and 6 miniature horses were seized from a house on Ferry Rd. near Hillman. Another 17 dogs were scheduled to be rescued late Friday.
The dogs went to the animal shelter. The horses were sent to a farm.
Pauline Handcock is the executive director for the Elk Country Animal Shelter.
She said the home the animals came from was a puppy mill. She said the shelter had had complaints in the past about dogs there living in unsanitary conditions.
"One of the little puppies was actually suffering from severe hyperthermia and he was pretty close to dying he was non-responsive and very cold. But he is alive today, he's warmed up and still a little slow but he's eaten, walking around and wagging his tail." Handcock said.
The Montmorency county Undersheriff said this is a criminal investigation.
The shelter is looking for help from the community whether it be volunteering or donating supplies.
Information is at elkcountryanimalshelter.org