Brought to you by WBIW News and Network Indiana
Last updated on Wednesday, October 22, 2008
(UNDATED) - The Humane Society of the United States is calling on Indiana to strengthen its animal cruelty laws following the decision of an Indiana prosecutor to not file changes against the operator of a suspected puppy mill.
The Sullivan County prosecutor decided not to file animal neglect charges against a woman who was the subject of an Indiana State Police investigation this month.
At least 200 animals were rescued from squalid living conditions on the woman's property. Many dogs were emaciated and suffered from medical conditions. The woman reportedly has cooperated with authorities and voluntarily surrendered 67 of the animals.
Kathleen Summers, Deputy Director of the Humane Society's "Stop The Puppy Mills Campaign," visited the property and described the condition of the animals as atrocious. She says the prosecutor's decision shows "how sorely lacking the laws are in Indiana."
She said HSUS will be contacting the prosecutor to discuss the case and present additional evidence.
Summers feels the prosecutor's hands may have been tied, since Indiana's animal cruelty laws are very weak. Summers also says because most puppy mills are not illegal, help is needed from the public to put an end to the consumer demand by adopting from an animal shelter or pet rescue group for a well-screened, responsible breeder.
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