Authorities in the U.S. state of Oklahoma have rescued more than 400 dogs living in poor sanitary conditions inside a suspected dog breeding facility known as a "puppy mill." The operation took place in the city of Stroud, where the Lincoln County Sheriff's Office announced the closure of the facility named "Add Love Pets" and the arrest of its owner, 83-year-old Jerry Hine, on charges related to animal cruelty.
According to the police, the dogs were found in overcrowded cages, stacked on top of one another. Their bodies were covered in feces to the point that their fur was matted and stuck to their skin, and some dogs were even beginning to suffer from skin separation due to severe neglect. Officers also reported a strong ammonia odor inside the facility, reflecting the level of contamination and lack of hygiene.
The facility was not officially licensed, as its permit had expired on June 30. The last official inspection, in December, recorded only 180 dogs, while the number of animals actually rescued reached around 405 as a clear indication of serious violations in documentation and oversight.
Multiple organizations stepped in to assist, including the Humane Society of Tulsa, Skiatook Paws & Claws Animal Rescue, Oklahoma Alliance for Animals, and Westie Rescue. These groups began conducting full medical evaluations of the rescued dogs to document their suffering and provide necessary treatment.
Investigators and humane society members expressed their shock at the level of neglect witnessed at the facility, while also voicing gratitude for the collaborative effort between police and volunteers. They emphasized that this operation marks a turning point for the animals, giving them hope for a better future.
As one volunteer put it: "These dogs are now closer to a happy ending than they were yesterday."
