A 10 On Your Side update to the major puppy mill investigation in Carroll County, that led to what the Humane Society described as the largest dog rescue operation in the country.
This morning (Thursday, January 31st) Animal Control officers in Carroll County charged Lanzie Carroll Horton Jr. (Horton usually goes by Junior) with multiple counts of animal cruelty and neglect, in connection with the case.
Horton is the owner of "Horton's Pups" in Hillsville.
The full list of charges include:
- 14 counts of animal cruelty: Animal Control says Horton deprived dogs of necessary food, drink, shelter, or emergency veterinary treatment. The charges are class one misdemeanors.
- 25 counts of neglect: Animal Control says Horton failed to adequately house, feed, water, exercise, or care for animals in his possession. The charges are calls 3 misdemeanors.
- One count of failing to obtain a license tax for the approximately 125 adult dogs exceeding Horton's kennel license. This charge is a class 4 misdemeanor
Carroll County Commonwealth Attorney Gregory Goad tells us Horton turned himself into the sheriff's department today. Horton posted a $5,000 bond, and was released on his own recognizance. Horton is due in court next week.
The Humane Society's dog rescue operation took place back in November, after the Humane Society conducted its own undercover investigation regarding dog breeders in Virginia. The rescue ended up taking about 700 dogs from Horton's Pups. Horton voluntarily gave up all but 200 of his dogs. The dogs were placed with 17 adoption agencies, including six in Virginia.
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