Dogs from suspected Puppy MIll move to new, secret home

GARLAND COUNTY, AR - 175 dogs are resting a whole lot easier tonight. More than 30 American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals responders are making sure of it.

"These puppy mill dogs tend to be really fearful and shy," said ASPCA Veterinarian Dr. Rhonda Windham, "so its been really great seeing them come out of their shell."

That's happened over a three day period, since the ASPCA and Garland County deputies busted what they're calling a puppy mill on Monday. They found four dead dogs when they got there, and charged the dogs' owner, Pam Thomas, with three counts of felony animal cruelty.

Since that time, responders moved the dogs to a new location, and deputies say they've gotten more calls about their investigation.

"We can't really go into specifics but it is continuing," said Lt. James Martin, "and it's highly likely that more charges will be coming."

That's one reason why deputies asked us to keep the puppies' new location secret. In a way, these dogs are evidence. Also, deputies say way too many people would come by to get a look.

"The calls that we've gotten in the last couple of days have gone along the lines of we lost our dog, someone stole our dog," said Martin. "We've seen one in the paper, on TV, that looks just like it. We want to come and see if that's our dog."

The callers can't come see yet. ASPCA responders say they'll put the dogs up for adoption once their court case is resolved.

"When the case is decided in court," said Windham, "then that's when we can find homes for them."