Hundreds of dogs rescued from alleged puppy mill

GOLDSBORO, N.C. — Animal rescue workers in eastern North Carolina have rescued about 300 dogs living in what investigators said was a puppy mill.

Workers from the Humane Society and Wayne County Animal Control raided the property Friday morning in southern Wayne County. They found animals with untreated lacerations and serious skin and eye infections.

Volunteers have placed the dogs in temporary shelters. Most of them are Shih-Tzus, Chihuahuas and Lhasa Apsos.

The News-Argus of Goldsboro reported the raid occurred after county officials filed a civil injunction Thursday against property owner Virginia Thornton. They allege Thornton was “willfully and intentionally” depriving the animals of a proper living environment.

A hearing for Thornton is scheduled for Tuesday at the Wayne County courthouse.

(Copyright 2009 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)