SPCA returns with animals rescued from mill

Just like the movie, there was a cruel character who wanted the animals for her own financial gain and kind people who came to their rescue.

Only these were neglected dogs and cats of all breeds, rescued from a puppy mill in Tennessee.

Several days ago, 13 members of the Disaster Animal Rescue Team, which works with SPCA Tampa Bay, set out in a truck for the long drive to Tennessee to save more than 700 dogs, cats, horses and at least one donkey.

There, they joined animal rescue workers from throughout the United States for one of the largest animal rescue raids ever.

In a town called Lyles, high in the mountains, they found a puppy mill called Pine Bluff Kennels. Team members called it a living hell for animals.

"It was a breeding factory,'' said Laura Bevan, Southeast regional director of the Humane Society of the United States, which works closely with SPCA Tampa Bay.

The Humane Society removed 747 animals from the property. Ultimately, the owner, Patricia Adkisson, who was cited two years ago for cruel puppy mill activities, surrendered the animals.

Most lived in wire cages and had feces ground into their fur. There were dead animals all over the property.

During the rescue, a couple of dogs gave birth. Beautiful Bengal and Siamese cats cried because they were scared.

There were pomeranians, chihuahuas, Shih Tzus, Yorkshire terriers, cocker spaniels, poodles and a Boston terrier with pups so tiny their eyes were still closed and their umbilical cords were still attached.

Marissa Segundo, spokeswoman for SPCA Tampa Bay, said the puppies were 2 days old, at the most.

"With a little bit of love and attention, they could be sleeping in someone's bed in (no time)," said Bevan, holding a pup with scabies, which can be cured.

Comments on this article

by JM	Jul 4, 2008 1:38 PM
Hallie don't see the AKC for breeders.The AKC is like our politicians"liars".I know this from first hand dealings.I have a beautiful choc.lab who is akc certified and he had hip displasure from puppy hood.He came from a puppy mill in South Dakota.

by Kathie	Jul 4, 2008 12:51 PM
Put these people into cages & treat them as they have treated these poor little fur balls.......

by Hallie	Jul 2, 2008 1:31 PM
This is yet ANOTHER reminder, do NOT buy from pet stores! Most pet stores get their puppies from places just like this. Adopt or find a good breeder, see AKC.org for good breeders

by heather	Jul 1, 2008 10:24 PM
this is a terrible thing for the animals ,this woman has been in trouble with this before there should be severe penalty action taken long term jail time being this is 2nd offense

by jeanne	Jul 1, 2008 8:44 PM
Animals or people? These dogs were put into this situation BY and FOR people, so other, more moral, people, are redeeming humanity by helping. Perhaps we should condemn the person who ran the puppy mill instead of a day care? She needs a job now!

by Dan	Jul 1, 2008 4:20 PM
Hey people BACK OFF Pete. All he is saying is that animals are innocent and he would help them. His comment about humans - can any of you say he is WRONG ?

by anthony	Jul 1, 2008 4:15 PM
I hope this women spends a decent amount of time in prison for such horrific treatment of innocent helpless animals.

by Pete [the other one]	Jul 1, 2008 4:11 PM
'The greatness of a nation and its moral progress can be judged by the way its animals are treated' - Gandhi

by Vivian	Jul 1, 2008 1:35 PM
Pete, your comment is stupid. People like you make me want to help animals more than idiots like you. Thank you SPCA for taking those animals out of that living hell.

by Linda	Jul 1, 2008 1:35 PM
Pete, it seems you are missing the point.

by Mary	Jul 1, 2008 1:35 PM
I agree Pete-I have many animals too, but there are soooo many children who are in danger living w/abusive&/or drug addicted parents/relative. Save the children before the animals. Adopt U.S. children from foster care! They need help/love here.

by Pete	Jul 1, 2008 1:34 PM
Simple humans can fend for themselves where a poor little animal can't! I'd open my door for a dog anyday over a human. At least they will not try to steal from me, but only share love

by louise	Jul 1, 2008 1:34 PM
when the federal government and state government stops issuing licenses for puppy mills to be legal this will stop. until then ... we are putting the proverbial finger in a damn of cruelty. write your legistlators and send them copies of this story.

by helene	Jul 1, 2008 1:34 PM
when one person when animal in our world has to suffer needlessly there is something wrong. it's NOT about which being is first it is about being compassionate .

by Sharon	Jul 1, 2008 1:34 PM
No offense Pete, but humans can ask for help...animals locked in cages cannot. They depend on "humanity" to care for them. I'm sure they're just "animals" to some, they're beloved pets and friends to so many more. "Humanity" made it into a puppy mill

by Joe	Jul 1, 2008 1:34 PM
The "Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals" or SPCA is for Animals Pete!! Its not like the Salvation Army or the local Habitat for Humanity group went to save the animals. Grab a clue Pete you are irrlevant at best.

by TechRider	Jul 1, 2008 1:34 PM
As humans we are expected to take of ourselves. Bless these people that will go out of their way to protect these innocent, mistreated creatures. They cannot look out for themselves, they depend upond people to be there for them.

by Cathy	Jul 1, 2008 1:34 PM
animals add to the quality of our lives as humans. they add TO humanity. and we do have a great deal of help for those in our area. some just don't want it. I work for county human services. I know this is true.

by Pebbles	Jul 1, 2008 1:34 PM
With the exceptions of natural disasters and stupid politics, humans have the ability to make choices affecting their lives and the way they live. Animals cannot do this and need our help. Rescue first, never buy from a pet store. Spay and neuter!

by Harold	Jul 1, 2008 1:34 PM
So Pete, how many homeless people have you taken in to your home?

by wayne	Jul 1, 2008 1:34 PM
Pete Probably because "what you do to these the least of my creatures you do unto me" is still valid. The animals have no choice, little social service and only the kindness of human beings to help them

by Allison	Jul 1, 2008 1:34 PM
This is so sad. I'm so glad these animals could be saved. Pete - the SPCA saves animals, not people. Don't criticize them for doing what they are created to do. You want to save humanity - criticize the Salvation Army or a people-focused group.

by allen	Jul 1, 2008 1:34 PM
Pete, humans can help themselves and animals can not. That is why you go out of state to help animals

by Eileen	Jul 1, 2008 1:34 PM
I am so happy that all of you helped these animals. They didn't have a choice to live like this.I hope people are convicted in this case.

by chris	Jul 1, 2008 1:33 PM
Pete, one does not exclude the other. This can be part of helping others in need by providing them with a loving companion. It all depends on the need.

by Kenneth	Jul 1, 2008 1:33 PM
Humans can save themselves Pete - most choose not to. That's the difference and that's why my wife and I donate exclusively to groups such as the Humane Society.

by Patrick	Jul 1, 2008 1:33 PM
Pete, the SPCA helps animals not humans. Should they just give up on the animals because people need help too?

by ad	Jul 1, 2008 1:33 PM
Well Pete, with your same wise logic, why go to another country to start a war that has no point? At least here, we are attempting to help someone/something

by kitty	Jul 1, 2008 1:33 PM
It's people like pete who make me prefer the company of furry friends to the majority of humans.

by Sue	Jul 1, 2008 1:33 PM
Humans can control when they have children and how many. Animals can not. Some people seem to almost think children are a means of getting more money from the government, and someone to take care of them when they get old. Rescue the helpless animals

by Catherine	Jul 1, 2008 12:36 PM
PETE - YOU ARE AN A$$. Thank goodness there are still people who love and care about animals. Great Job to the SPCA!!!!!

by Melissa	Jul 1, 2008 12:27 PM
Thank you to all who helped rescue the helpless. This is such a sad circumstance...

by Andrea	Jul 1, 2008 11:23 AM
People HAVE the ability to help themselves...animals do not. We are their stewards in this world. It is our responsibility to take are of them. Pete, get a clue.

by Animal Fan	Jul 1, 2008 10:58 AM
Pete, 'humanity' begins with respect toward Earth's different and varied species.

by Rayanne	Jul 1, 2008 10:58 AM
Whatever Pete. Humanity starts with animals. Mahatma Gandhi said "The greatness of a nation and its moral progress can be judged by the way its animals are treated".