Shannon, Mississippi – An investigation into a puppy mill by animal protection groups has led to the closing of the puppy mill by Compassion First (CF), a Lee County animal protection organization, and Mid-South In Defense of Animals (IDA), the regional branch of the IDA national non-profit animal rights organization, investigators responded to a complaint that the breeder was keeping dogs in squalor. Shannon Police Department Officer Perry, accompanied the investigators at their request.
 
The trio confirmed the complaint that the dogs in the breeding facility were living in unbearable conditions, including over 50 dogs confined beneath a metal barn in hutches, pens laden with feces, dead rats, matted hair, wasted food, and plastic wrap. The dogs, mostly small breed, were left to extremely cold weather conditions in the frigid air. There was no bedding, or heat source in the dark open building. 
 
ATupelo,Mississippiveterinarian was called on for his professional assessment of the facility, and the condition of the dogs. He confirmed that the conditions the dogs were kept in, and the apparent infestation of mange mites, and possibly other parasites, or bacteria warranted their immediate removal. He voiced concern that the facility, located in the midst of a cozy residential community posed a health and safety threat to neighbors.
 
The mills owner claimed that health problems kept him from performing the duties necessary to keep such a facility. Investigators agreed that a lack of understanding for designing a dog breeding facility that can be maintained hygienically seemed to be the primary problem.
 
IDA investigator Doll Stanley-Branscum, and the veterinarian made an agreement with the breeder that his dogs be relocated for assessment, and care. IDA, and CF investigators agreed that no charges would be filed because of the man’s health, and cooperation. “This may be the best thing that could have happened, the proprietor told me,” said IDA Investigator Doll Stanley-Branscum. 
 
The Tupelo Lee Humane Society headed the relocation effort. Their veterinarian found most of the dogs to have mange, and fungus. Several aged females were pregnant, a grave concern for their welfare. “This was truly a breeding facility that fell into the category of “puppymill”. The dogs were pathetic. They were cold. Many of them were smeared with feces. A pregnant Dachshund was viciously attacked by two pen mates. Other small dogs miserably quaked in the cold. Two small pregnant dos were confined in an open metal crate with no bedding. Two boxers were completely naked from demodex, and sarcoptic mange. It is not a new site for me, but it is always staggering to see firsthand,” said Investigator Stanley-Branscum.