News
Convicted Virginia Commercial Breeder Appeals Court Decision
May 21, 2008, 8:30 MT
By Denise A LeBeau
Help keep the pressure on in this landmark case
Help keep the pressure on in this landmark case
Lanzie “Junior” Horton Jr., was found guilty of 14 charges of animal cruelty and 25 charges of neglect last week in Carroll County, VA by Judge Edward Turner.
For more information on the charges and the penalties, please click here. Horton owned a breeding facility without a USDA kennel license and was found to have had 1,080 dogs – giving him the reputation of being one of the largest puppy mill operations in the country. Of the 463 dogs the veterinarian examined she reported that only 30% of them were ‘normal’.
Horton was ordered to pay restitution to the vet, and is able to keep up to 250 animals to continue his breeding operation. Even with his jail time suspended and his fines severely reduced, Horton is still extolling that he was “pressured into giving away his animals” and has filed an appeal!
"I knew I had too many dogs," Horton said to the Associated Press. "I could have sold every one of them. I lost thousands of dollars on pups I could have sold at Christmas." (to read the full article please click here)
The Horton puppy mill bust was part of the two high profile cases that has lead Virginia to pass legislation targeting commercial breeding facilities, to read more on HB 538 click here
“I am pleased that Horton was convicted of all charges of animal neglect and cruelty. I hope that the sentence is upheld upon appeal. With a conviction of animal cruelty, Horton will not be able to operate as a commercial dog breeder after January 1, 2009, when the language in House Bill 538 becomes effective,” shared Virginia animal advocate, Teresa Dockery.
On May 27th the case will be in the Carroll County Circuit Court, and we should be able to share with you when the appeal is slated to be heard! Stay tuned!
In the meantime, please post comments on the local media articles urging the authorities to uphold the ruling:
WSLS, Roanoke, VA
Daily Press
Puppy Mills “What you Can Do”
Six things you can do to help stop puppy mills:
1.) Join our coalition:
It’s free, fast, and you will become part of Best Friends Animal Society’s campaign to stop puppy mills and increase pet adoptions. See that gold star on the upper right of the page—click it! When you sign up, you’ll also get our monthly newsletter “Breeding Bytes”.
2.) Get active in your own community:
To download “What One Person Can do to Stop Puppy Mills”click here.
3.) Adopt your next pet:
We understand you may have your heart set on a puppy, or a particular breed. Don’t encourage puppy mills puppy mills by buying pets in stores! We guarantee that your next perfect is waiting for you at one of the thousands of shelters or rescue groups across the country—and they’re not hard to find if you take the time to look responsibly. First, visit your local shelter. If you don’t find the right pet there, rescue from online:
www.1-800-save-a-pet.com
www.pets911.com
www.petfinder.com
One can also find a dog by contacting a local breed rescue organization by searching www.google.com. Enter a city or state, the breed you are looking for, and the word “rescue.”
4.) Tired of pet stores in your community? Let them (and potential customers) know:
For information on how to hold a peaceful rally in front of a pet store, Click here.
5.) Wear your opinion on your shirt:
Do you agree that puppies aren’t products to be manufactured in America’s puppy mills and sold in stores like inventory? Say so! To order a “Puppies Aren’t Products” shirt, Click here. All proceeds go to Best Friends’ puppy mill campaign.
6.) Support legislation that regulates and reduces breeding of animals. Several websites are available to help people stay updated on legislation for all animal issues, including breeding:
Animal Law
ALDF
Saponline
[b]Get involved to stop dog auctions:
Click here to download an overview of dog auctions from 2000-2007.
Animal groups in several states oppose auctions in their community. Click the links below to read what people are doing about auctions, and how you can help.
Dog Auctions in Ohio: http://www.banohiodogauctions.com
Dog Auctions in Wisconsin: http://www.cchs-petshelter.org/id71.html
Dog Auctions in Missouri: http://www.awawatchdog.com/0105/index.htm
Courtesy of For the Love of the Dog: Dog Auction Capitol of the US—Missouri
by Denise LeBeau, Best Friends staff
image by Clay Myers of VA dog rescued from puppy mill