On November 17, 2012, more than 240 dogs were removed from a puppy mill in Maplewood, Ohio. The Ohio SPCA Response Team along with the Shelby County Dog Warden removed the dogs and puppies from Pedigree Pets, owned by Dave and Rhonda Auton.
Many of the dogs were emaciated and ill, and had infections and wounds. They were found living in filthy conditions. Pregnant dogs. Tiny puppies. Senior dogs, too.
On Wednesday, the Auton’s had their day in court. WDTN.com reports that Dave and Rhonda Auton, as well as their son Adam, each received suspended jail time.
A total of 723 counts of animal cruelty had been filed. Yet the judge ordered the three to complete mental evaluations and pay fines. They are not allowed to own animals for two years.
The Ohio SPCA does amazing work in rescuing animals from abuse and neglect. They rely on funding solely through donations and small grants. Follow the Ohio SPCA on Facebook to learn more about the animals they continue to save.
Read the Mansfield Animal Advocacy’s original article about the puppy mill raid here, the article of charges filed against the Autons here, and the article when the puppy mill dogs were surrendered by their former owners here.
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