A total of 136 neglected dogs were seized from a kennel in Pierce County last week.
The Georgia Department of Agriculture Law Enforcement Division served a warrant that led to the seizure last week.
Details on the incident are scarce, but The Times has learned the seizure relates to a kennel suspected of being a puppy mill located near Patterson.
According to reports, the dogs were mostly smaller breeds, such as Maltese, Shih Tzus, Boston terriers, Pomeranians and dachshunds.
Dogs at the kennel were reported to have been confined in wire cages, left in the cold and soaked in urine and feces and didn’t have veterinary care.
State officials did not say if anyone had been arrested in the case or if they expected to file charges against the kennel owner. GDA representatives have not responded to questions about criminal charges.
Sheriff Ramsey Bennett said his office did not have an active investigation regarding the kennel. He referred all questions to the Department of Agriculture.
The Humane Society of Georgia has identified K-Bar Kennel of Patterson as one of its “horrible hundred” facilities. K-Bar is located on Tyre Bridge Road. According to the Georgia Department of Agriculture’s website, the kennel currently holds an active license as a pet dealer.
Georgia Agriculture Commissioner Tyler J. Harper announced the Georgia Department of Agriculture Law Enforcement Division executed a search warrant and seized 136 neglected canines from the property. The animals were taken to a secondary location where veterinary care was provided onsite. The Department is currently working with rescue organizations to foster out the seized animals as quickly as possible.
A spokesman for Harper declined to give additional information or details, citing the ongoing investigation.
“I am incredibly proud of the work our Law Enforcement team did to remove these dogs and address this situation,” said Harper. “Our Law Enforcement Division is working every day to send a clear message that crime in Georgia’s agricultural sector – from animal abuse to drug and labor trafficking and everything in between – will not be tolerated, and our Companion Animal & Equine team works diligently each day to ensure our state’s companion animals and equine are properly cared for. Our teams will continue to build on the partnership we have and the work we’ve done with the Georgia Statewide Animal Crimes Prosecutor to ensure those who commit crimes in the agricultural sector are held accountable.”
The Department of Agriculture Law Enforcement Division received a tip regarding alleged animal abuse at the kennel. GDA Law Enforcement accompanied GDA Companion Animal & Equine Inspectors to conduct an inspection of the property. During that inspection, investigators found violations of the Department’s rules and regulations as well as state law providing probable cause to obtain and execute a search warrant on the property.
During the execution of the search warrant, evidence, including live animals, was collected and seized by the Georgia Department of Agriculture. Following the seizure, the animals were transported to a secondary location where veterinary services were provided. The Georgia Department of Agriculture is currently working with local rescue groups including Renegade Paws Rescue, K9 Battle Buddies, Allmon’s All About Animals, Liberty County Animal Services, Atlanta Humane Society, and Humane Society of Greater Savannah to rehome or foster the seized animals. Georgians can learn more about fostering or adopting these animals on our rescue partner’s websites and social media pages.
