A Virginia man accused of operating one of the largest puppy mills in the United States faces 40 misdemeanor charges in connection with allegations he deprived his dogs of food, water, shelter and emergency veterinary treatment, according to a Jan. 31 press release from the office of Commonwealth Attorney Gregory Goad.
Lanzie Carroll Horton Jr., operator of Horton's Pups in Hillsville, Va. faces 14 counts of animal cruelty, 25 counts of neglect and one count of failing to obtain a license tax for the approximately 125 adult dogs that authorities said exceeded his kennel license, according to the press release.
The HSUS' five-month undercover investigation into Virginia puppy mills was the catalyst for the rescue of more than 800 dogs from Horton's property in November. When Virginia Partnership for Animal Welfare and Support (VA PAWS) showed Carroll County officials The HSUS' footage, they confronted Horton with evidence and set the rescue in motion.
Local authorities discovered more than 800 dogs on Horton's property on Nov. 1, according to the press release.
The next day, Horton agreed to voluntarily release a large majority of his animals to authorities in what became the largest puppy mill rescue in United States' history.
The HSUS helped local authorities remove the animals, transport them as needed and coordinate mostly local animal shelters (though some came from as far away as Florida) to house and care for the dogs. The dogs were taken in by shelters to be made available for adoption.
Horton turned himself in to the Carroll County Sheriff’s Department on Jan. 31 and was released after posting a $5,000 personal recognizance bond. His initial court appearance was Feb. 5 and a tentative trial date was set for late February.
