Sheriff Joe Arpaio’s Animal Crimes Unit served a search warrant today on a puppy mill in Wittmann, finding over 100 animals living in deplorable conditions. Dogs on the property include, English Bulldogs, French Bulldogs, Maltese, Labradoodles, and other high end breeds.
Sheriff’s detectives responded to a tip regarding the horrendous breading conditions of several dogs at the home at 21804 W. Laura St. The dogs found were mostly puppies that were being raised in wooden boxed, stored in the back yard, that were screwed together with nothing more than a small opening at the top for air. Inside each box were multiple dogs living in their own waste, some without food or water.
Inside the home, the conditions worsen, as animal feces and urine covered the floor. More dogs were found inside, living in their own waste. Also living in the home was a small child, about 3 years old. Sheriff Arpaio reports that the child has been removed from the home due to the conditions inside.
“Puppy mills are a problem across the country,” said Sheriff Joe Arpaio, “there generally in it for the money, there are no regulations, they don’t conform to appropriate breed standards, and as we witnessed here today, many times puppy mills have animals living in poor conditions.”
During the execution of the search warrant a major dog fight broke out that resulted in several dogs being severely wounded. Those dogs were transported immediately to an Animal Hospital. A veterinarian on scene also sustained
minor injuries when she was kicked in the chest by a horse that was being seized.
Home owner, and apparent dog breeder, 59-year-old Colleen Jolley, will be facing child neglect charges and several animal cruelty charges (at least one count per animal). Other charges may be filed, pending the lab results from the veterinarian’s office.
Sheriff Arpaio’s detectives report that Jolley has a history of animal abuse as they have determined from records indicating an animal cruelty conviction in Oregon in 1994.
Sheriff Arpaio notes “Unfortunately this breeder, because she is more interested in money, refuses to sign over the dogs, where they would be quickly adopted into homes where they would be loved and cared for, instead of returned to deplorable conditions like this.”
Also seized were 2 horses that were malnourished, several tortuous, and a bird.All of the animals will be housed inside he Sheriff’s jail for abused and neglected animals where female inmates will be taking care of them until the case is completed