Aiken-area animal shelters and rescue groups over the next few days are taking in approximately 50 dogs, eight horses and a variety of fowl that were confiscated from an alleged puppy mill operation in Johnston, Georgia.
Puppy mill seizure includes 9 horses
The Sheriff's Office found hundreds of dogs living in "deplorable" conditions, also nine horses and nearly 40 fowl on the property.
On Sept. 11, the Humane Society of the United States and the Humane Society of Charlotte assisted the Edgefield County Sheriff's Office in the rescue of approximately 250 animals from a Johnston property. The Sheriff's Office served a search and seizure warrant and found hundreds of dogs living in "deplorable" conditions, according to press materials. There were also nine horses and nearly 40 fowl on the property.
Jim Rhodes with Aiken Equine Rescue traveled to the Columbia airport Monday, where more than 100 animals taken from the Johnston property are being temporarily staged. Rhodes selected a number of dogs and fowl to bring back to Aiken, where they'll be cared for until they find new homes. Equine Rescue will also take in eight horses.
SPCA Albrecht Center for Animal Welfare staff are traveling to Columbia today to pick up 33 dogs which, after they're properly vetted, will be available for adoption.
Both Rhodes and Gary Willoughby, president and CEO of the SPCA, advised none of the animals will be available for adoption immediately. Proper vet care, including vaccinations and sterilizations, is the No. 1 priority at this point, in addition to grooming and behavioral observation.
"We're hoping the majority will be adoptable soon," Willoughby said.
The Humane Society of Charlotte has also taken in 79 animals.
Callie Abel, the owner of the alleged puppy mill, was arrested and charged with seven counts of ill treatment toward animals. Abel pleaded guilty to the charges and, as part of her plea agreement, surrendered custody of the seized animals and was ordered to pay a $350 fine. She is allowed to keep three house dogs and a parrot. Abel's attorney, Paul Anderson in Aiken, did not return phone calls seeking comment.
Rhodes and Willoughby said they have already begun working with local and state legislators to enact laws to regulate puppy mills. S.C. House 86 Rep. Bill Taylor was in Columbia yesterday, as well, to observe all of the animals.
Until the animals are available for adoption, the SPCA Albrecht Center for Animal Welfare and Equine Rescue will gladly take donations. For more information, call the SPCA at 803-648-6863 and Equine Rescue at 803-643-1850.