BOWIE, Texas (July 8) -- Nearly 500 dogs, some with skin conditions and open sores, have been seized from a Texas kennel where the Humane Society says several dead animals also were found.
Authorities in Montague County, about 90 miles northwest of Dallas, took the dogs from Maggic Pets/Heddins Kennel after complaints the animals weren't receiving proper veterinary care.
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Cloyce Heddins' wife owns the kennel. He told the Fort Worth Star-Telegram that the dogs are cared for and that authorities had bad information, possibly from disgruntled customers.
But Sandy Grambort with the Humane Society of North Texas said authorities found several dead animals and seized others that were ill. Dogs were found in crates double-stacked in outbuildings, as well as in outdoor pens and kennels, she said.
The kennel's operators sold puppies on the Internet and through newspaper ads, Grambort told the Star-Telegram. She said the Humane Society has received regular complaints about living conditions at the ranch for the last decade. "We were able to verify the complaints this time," Grambort said.
The kennel's Web site advertises "quality pups" with "current vaccination and shot records." Grambort told the Star-Telegram that sheriff's office investigators found 496 dogs on the property and that the sickest animals were held at the back of the ranch, where customers were not allowed.
The dogs are being housed temporarily in a donated warehouse, where they will be kept for 10 days, until a court decides whether they will remain in the Humane Society's custody. Volunteers and charity organizations have assisted with the care of the dogs.
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Animals in the News
Chanel, a white dachshund who held the Guinness world record for oldest dog, died Aug. 28 at age 21. Earlier this year, her owners said she was in good health, with the exception of sunglasses she had to wear for cataracts.
Meredith Daniels, Newsday / MCT
Meredith Daniels, Newsday / MCT
