John and Lydia Anderson

Cruelty to animals, 200 abused, neglected dogs seized from a puppy mill

Union Springs, AL

May 5, 2000

The Anderson's were charged with cruelty to animals when the Bullock County Sheriff's office removed 200 dogs from the couples' farm, which is about 35 miles southeast of Montgomery.  Bond was set at $500 apiece.  Cruelty to animals is a misdemeanor punishable by a fine and up to a year in jail.

The dogs were temporarily placed in homes and shelters in Montgomery and Bullock counties and in a no-kill shelter north of Birmingham.  The dogs will remain in temporary care until the judge determines they are no longer needed as evidence in the animal cruelty case.  The dogs will receive needed medical, dental and grooming care while in custody.

Someone answering an advertisement for a job who reported the canines living conditions to authorities reported the Anderson's.  Most of the dogs were in small cages or crates.  Their fur was matted, their skin was rife with sores, they were covered in feces, there teeth were rotten and they didn't have adequate food, water or shelter.  89 abused and neglected wild animals were also on the property but the state officials had not yet given permission to remove those animals.  Among those animals were 49 raccoons, 25 skunks, 5 foxes, 2 bobcats and a llama.

Reference:

The Mobile Register