Possible 'puppy mill' found near Apache Junction

FLORENCE, Ariz. - Authorities in Pinal County say they've stopped what may have been a puppy mill operation in the Apache Junction area.

Officers with Pinal County Animal Care and Control responded to a residence following a report from a Child Protective Services case worker who said they saw an animal skull in the front of the residence.

The report also indicated a strong urine smell in the area and the case worker reported seeing 25-36 dogs on the premises along with kennels filled with feces. The report stated there was no water or food for the animals, according to Pinal County officials.

PCACC officers found the conditions as they'd been described, finding kennels with six or more dogs housed in them with contaminated water and no food to eat.

Officers executed a search warrant on December 14 and found several record books detailing sales, vaccinations and other documents related to animals previously on the premises. Records for the animals currently being housed there were not up-to-date, officials said.

The majority of the dogs seized were Chihuahuas and Pomeranians.

Inside the residence, officers found some animals being kept in small kennels stacked on top of each other with no signs of water for the animals.

Animal Care and Control officers seized all of the dogs, including 13 that were being boarded at the location. Those 13 were returned to their owners.

Animal Care and Control Director Kaye Dickson said the resident at one time had a kennel permit for up to 20 dogs but that the permit had lapsed earlier in the year.

"The owner clearly was not in compliance with the permit and was not providing humane care and proper treatment for the animals, including basic food and water," Dickson said. "Some of the statements the pet's owner made to our officers lead us to believe that some these dogs were being used in a puppy mill breeding operation."

The case remains under investigation and review for potential charges.

The animals seized are being cared for at the PCACC shelter. They are being held for evidence and not available for adoption unless the owner surrenders them or a case is finalized.