A Kentucky woman is now facing animal cruelty charges after animal control officers found 63 dogs in a barn on her property who were living in deplorable conditions.
Officers arrived at the home after the Warren County Sheriff’s Office received an anonymous tip regarding a “puppy mill operation” in the Alvaton community.
Warren County Sheriff’s Office/Facebook
When officers arrived, they discovered a barn behind the home and were not prepared for what they found inside.
Inside the barn were 63 dogs and puppies living in complete squalor, with feces covering the floor in their living space. There was also feces built up in the drain the entire width of the barn, and the animals themselves were even covered in it.
71-year-old Donna Byard, the owner, has since been charged with 63 counts of second-degree cruelty to animals, and is scheduled to appear in court on February 11.
The dogs have been seized from the property and immediately taken for medical care at the Bowling Green/Warren County Humane Society. They are not currently available for adoption, but will be once they were given a clean bill of health.
“The Warren County Sheriff’s Animal Control Officers work tirelessly to safeguard animals regarding tips and complaints,” the department wrote on Facebook.
If you suspect a puppy mill operation in your area, please contact your local police.
H/T to the Lexington Herald Leader.
