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August 18, 2008

The HSUS Applauds Prosecutors for Animal Cruelty Charges Against Puppy Mill Owner

The Humane Society of the United States

The Humane Society of the United States, the nation's largest animal protection organization, applauds Tennessee 21st Judicial District State's Attorney Kim Helper for filing criminal animal cruelty charges against Patricia Adkisson, owner of Pine Bluff Puppies. These charges stem from allegations that Adkisson neglected dogs kept on her Lyles, Tenn. property.

"We are encouraged that the Prosecuting Attorney has brought charges in this disturbing case. This action demonstrates that authorities are serious about enforcing Tennessee's animal protection law,” said Leighann McCollum, Tennessee state director for The HSUS. “The Humane Society of the United States has already provided extensive evidence in this case, and looks forward to providing any additional assistance we can.”

Adkisson was charged with 24 felony counts of aggravated animal cruelty, nine counts of misdemeanor animal cruelty, one count of unlawful sale or transport of dogs, one count of unlawful administration of rabies vaccine and one count of paraphernalia. Local law enforcement raided Adkisson’s property in June.

This raid was set into motion by The HSUS' Tennessee state director, who received tips and worked with investigators with the District Attorney's office for the 21st Judicial District to build a case against Adkisson. It was the largest puppy mill bust in Tennessee history.

The HSUS also oversaw the removal of 747 animals from Adkisson’s mass breeding facility. These dogs were taken to humane organizations across the country where most of them have already found new, loving homes. The HSUS is now working with local agencies to create new legislation in Tennessee to crack down on puppy mills like Pine Bluff Puppies.

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