Story Created:
Nov 18, 2009 at 2:12 PM CDT
Story Updated:
Nov 19, 2009 at 6:40 AM CDT
Graves County, KY- Three people face cruelty to animal charges after nearly 60 animals were taken from a suspected puppy mill. Graves County Humane Society along with the Sheriff's Department found nearly 60 dogs living in horrible conditions outside a home in Hickory, Kentucky. Most of the dogs are malnourished and covered with mange and fleas.
A complaint from a woman that bought a puppy sparked the investigation. Denise Hunter, Michael Hunter and Wade Peterson were cited for misdemeanor cruelty to animals. The animals were taken to the Mayfield-Graves County Animal Shelter. Staff say the sudden increase in dogs will hurt an already financially strapped budget.
"It's going to be a huge undertaking," said Shelter Board Member Amy Hughes. "It will take a lot of teamwork, we will likely have to reach out to other shelters and rescue groups to see where to house everyone," Hughes added.
The dogs will be checked by a veterinarian soon. In the meantime, the Mayfield-Graves County Animal Shelter is accepting donations to help care for the animals. If you would like to send a check, mail it to the shelter at:
Mayfield-Graves County Animal Shelter
500 North 12th Street
Mayfield, KY 42066.
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Helping :-) said on Thursday, Jan 28 at 7:42 PM
"Fed up" needs an evaluation themself. No wonder so many people go to HE*L
36569352Mercy Me......... said on Saturday, Nov 21 at 10:32 AM
Christy, get offa your high horse. If u had not done so many drugs, your memory might serve u better. Mercy me, of course; is not a name, it is an expressive gesture. I could care less about your mouthy remarks, I am commenting on the dog situation, and what about the horses the animal rescue was called about a few yrs ago? Your mom has been doing this for years, u have showed me that back yard, and told me about the former "cites", Stop trying to make this personal ! It IS ABOUT THE DOGS !
32462364christy said on Friday, Nov 20 at 6:18 PM
mercy me r you scared or are you just a lier.cuz if you wasnt hiding you would sign your real name.you dont see me hiding who i am. if i have something to say about someone i am not going to hided behind a name like mecry me.
32440771Terri said on Friday, Nov 20 at 3:56 PM
First of all it is breaking news because the shelter needs help. They need adoptions and money. Homeless, jobless, and hungry citizens have been in this country since I was born that is the govenrments job and the responsibility of that individual. I am in animal rescue and a nurse and I am hoping that Ron has a psychological exam soon. Animal abuse always ends up with human abuse like Ted Bundy. I wonder if Ron would like these disgraceful people to babysit his children?
32433211Mercy Me......... said on Friday, Nov 20 at 11:39 AM
To the daughter Christy, no one mentioned ur departed sister? You are the one that told me and showed me your mothers operation in the back yard, several yrs back?.....YOU ! I never even knew your sister, only by an introduction, so why would I disrespect her? This is about the dogs anyway. How the law is biased, to punish some with jail time and fines and take their dogs away, yet allow others to continue their neglect and cruelty to the animals????
32415409Anonymous said on Friday, Nov 20 at 10:21 AM
*education*
32410029Anonymous said on Friday, Nov 20 at 10:14 AM
Hmmm, looks like those poor dogs have helped pay for some computers,,, if not much eduction
32409499Anonymous said on Friday, Nov 20 at 12:48 AM
By the looks of it, it sounds like the woman at one point did care for her animals. Someone who was intentionally doing wrong and looking to only make money would not have cooperated with the police on this matter. It sounds like she got overwhelmed and fell on hard times and just couldn't care for them anymore. Maybe in her mind she felt she was doing right by them. I do not in any way condone what she did. It is horrible the way these animals lived, and no animal should ever live that way
32395564cricket said on Friday, Nov 20 at 12:03 AM
I THING BOTH SIDES OF THE STORY SHOULD BE HEARD!YOU PEOPLE ARE SAYING THINGS YOU KNOW THING ABOUT THIS LADY HAS BEED USDA APROVE.THERE WAS ALWAYS FOOD OUT FOR THEM DOGS.THEM DOGS HAD WHEN THEM PEOPLE WENT WITHOUT.I KNOW THESE PEOPLE PERSONLY AND I THINK ALL OF YA'LL SHOULD BE ASHAMED OF YOURSELF FOR EVEN CALLING YOURSELFS CHRISTIANS BE YOU THE WHOLE STORY.AND THE DECEASED DAUGHTER STUFF IS UNCALLED FOR AND NEEDS TO STOP.SHE WAS A VERY SICK LADY.THEY LOVED HER AND SHE IS GONE SO LEAVE OUT OF IT!!
32394424never been fair said on Thursday, Nov 19 at 11:49 PM
Graves county law has never been fair, Nor will they ever be until the clear out the whole lot up there and get more in there. this woman has had sooo many run-ins with the law on this matter that it is not even funny . I watch the law enforcement on the TV and the person that was being showed on the camera , without mentioning any names , you could tell he was not wanting to make the arrest, or that was the way it was looking to me. OH well they are not fair up there and they never will be.
32394064no justice in the justice system said on Thursday, Nov 19 at 11:25 PM
Might I add this is not this womans first nor second time to getting cited for this. Seems to me like things are a little unfair in Graves county. What is the difference from the others in that area and they got felony charges for each dog, and went to jail. Looks to me as if it should have been the same, they did not get an option to stay home and they was just as cooperative, and offered to help the animal shelter.Somebody please tell me the difference b/c they had no evidence of dog fighting.
32393346Goldensrforme said on Thursday, Nov 19 at 7:54 PM
I am appalled. These people are cited with misdemeanor animal cruelty, will be fined and will contine in the puppy mill business because it is not illegal. Write or call your congressmen and let them know that puppy mills should be illegal. Until then, sadly there is nothing else that can be done
32385334wondering said on Thursday, Nov 19 at 3:30 PM
I see that you all are talking about a deceased daughter.I was wondering the deceased daughters name.if anyone knows. and when did she die and how.
32371139Something to think about said on Thursday, Nov 19 at 2:57 PM
Odd that this lady has been doing this for years and BOTH Mayfield Veterinary Clinic as well as Dr Ficke at Bluegrass Animal Hospital have known about this. Odd that neither turned her in, however continued to sign the health certificates for the puppies. For petes sake the vets have been to her place. It realy makes one wonder about their chioces. She sould have been busted years ago. Sad that Mayfield has been so consumed with the Bully Breed Ban....overlooking problems of this nature.
32369094mama carrol said on Thursday, Nov 19 at 1:51 PM
My mom and I reported this lady. My mom and sister-in-law went to see the maltese and she was telling me about the deplorable conditions on Saturday afternoon on our way to shop. I told her that we needed to do something, but since it was Sat., I didn't know who to call, so I called 911. They said that they would tell animal control and apparently they did. I didn't know it was so many dogs since I didn't go, but I'm so happy that we reported it and hopefully they will have a good home now.
32364909joe said on Thursday, Nov 19 at 1:19 PM
I don't think people that do this to animals can be right in the head. Because it is very wrong and if you can't afford the dogs. Then try to get them a good home that will take care of them the right way. Because don't forget we have animal shelters and also newspaper that you can put an ad in to find it a home that will love it and take care of it.
32362829J said on Thursday, Nov 19 at 12:53 PM
honestly, i know this woman personally, she's always treated everything like this. not just animals but human beings themselves. close friends of her deceased daughter will know exactly of which i am speaking.
32361161gimp said on Thursday, Nov 19 at 12:11 PM
I have known this person since I was a young teen... I am now in my forties . She has always treated her animals like this. POOR animals... took authorities this long to respond - Graves Co. finest !!!
32358081Eva said on Thursday, Nov 19 at 11:35 AM
What these people did was unacceptable and horrible. However, we should not want to retaliate in the same inhumane manner that the crime was committed with. What's the point?! They should be treated as humans who did a very wrong thing. You should NEVER fight meanness with meanness!
32355576Jackthesinner said on Thursday, Nov 19 at 10:02 AM
Reader from Graves said it best...these people are no better than school yard bullies-if they are willing to take advantage of a helpless animal what keeps them from commiting similar acts to elderly or special needs--they need to suffer
32349006Animal Lover said on Thursday, Nov 19 at 9:34 AM
Ron and Ralph are poor excuses for human beings much less Christians. Every living thing deserves humane treatment except people like you two. Maybe God will forgive your uncaring attitude even though I'm not sure you deserve it.
32346979Anonymous said on Thursday, Nov 19 at 7:23 AM
And as Christians you people shouldn't be judging people.
32340884Reader from Graves said on Thursday, Nov 19 at 6:56 AM
Get off the Bible quotes. This issue is about dogs being mistreated. Those involved should be jailed and not fed. I am an animal protector and people who do what these people did make me want to puke! Hang them!!!
32340241LIfe and soul said on Thursday, Nov 19 at 2:17 AM
Well the way I hear it, this woman didn't lose out on any meals. They should put her and the rest of them in jail and not feed them , and make them use the bathroom in the floor and live in it for about a month and then they would see what these poor little animals went thru. they might not have a soul but they have life, So they should be taken care of...If you are a true christian you will take care of your pet and love it.
32337451mercy me said on Wednesday, Nov 18 at 10:16 PM
OMG ! I did see the news and I know for a fact from the mouth of that woman's daughter, that she has been cited at least 3 times for this puppy mill business....where is the animal rights people now? The law is suppose to be the same for all? What? Is she gonna get another slap on the wrist yet? Why is she still alowed to have animals?
32330741Lacey said on Wednesday, Nov 18 at 10:12 PM
Hey Bonnie, aren't you judging me now??
32330584Anonymous said on Wednesday, Nov 18 at 10:11 PM
I have seen this lady and these animals myself. A friend and I had answered an ad for a puppy, and it was horrifying the conditions these poor animals were in! When we left we called the humane society and the state police, and guess what, nothing ever happened and this has been about a year and a half ago. So I guess my question is, what is so different now than it was then? Oh and by the way, some of you people are freaking nuts!
32330536lacey said on Wednesday, Nov 18 at 9:49 PM
Hey Bonnie, pointing out the obvious is not the same as judging.
32329651Walter said on Wednesday, Nov 18 at 9:46 PM
Christians save souls. Enough said. Sure it's good to do good in the community but even better to make sure those in it will live eternally in heaven rather than perish in hell.
32329551Anonymous said on Wednesday, Nov 18 at 9:39 PM
ya, and maybe of more of these local McChurchkins would go out in their own communities & actually do good works instead of soaking their congregations & abusing their tax-free status to build sports & entertainment temples,,, Some of these dog breeders are making a LOT of easy cash, and you will STILL see them in the welfare lines and begging for handouts, when they are not on their brand new computers or at the casino.
32329319Walter said on Wednesday, Nov 18 at 9:26 PM
What's wrong with talking about The Bible? It's what we should all be basing our lives on.
32328949bonnie said on Wednesday, Nov 18 at 8:29 PM
hey lacey ..your preaching about judgment as you are judging
32326539Anonymous said on Wednesday, Nov 18 at 7:47 PM
The so-called "dominion" was taken from us with the Fall from Grace & being cast from Eden. The beasts being made to then fear us and our losing the ability to Speak with them was a sign-certain of that. And, for the literalists, the first woman (Lilith) was Created with and equal to man, together on the Sixth Day. Eve was made some time AFTER that. If so much of the Bible wasn't politically missing, more people would know & understand that ancient tradition as well.
32324956George Skinion said on Wednesday, Nov 18 at 7:18 PM
I only wish I could put Ron and others like him in the hands of that idiot who ran the puppy mill and let them live like she had those poor puppies live! A nation in dire straits and trailer trash making a living on the lives of innocent puppies. God will punish you, Ron
32323711Linkon said on Wednesday, Nov 18 at 7:16 PM
Why does EVERYTHING have to turn into a God debate? You people need help. Lots and lots.
32323609Anonymous said on Wednesday, Nov 18 at 6:51 PM
Numbers 22:21-30 Good luck, Ron
32322449sj said on Wednesday, Nov 18 at 6:50 PM
i hope someone takes custody of these poor dogs. want to hear more.
32322379Anonymous said on Wednesday, Nov 18 at 6:40 PM
To recall yet another tale from the Good Book; I guess Ron would whip his donkey forward mercilessly,,, right into the Angel of Death on the road ahead,,, ~~ Some people are very passionate about what they imagine their Religion to be, and always ready to fight for whatever they think it says,,,
32321929Vietnam Vet-Mayfield said on Wednesday, Nov 18 at 6:30 PM
I have met all types of people,in many parts of the world.I also believe in God,but Ron,you are a jerk.
32321386Lacey said on Wednesday, Nov 18 at 6:22 PM
Whoever is righteous has regard for the life of his beast, but the mercy of the wicked is cruel. Proverbs 12:10 Ron, I would suggest you pay attention a little more when you read your Bible. You are a sorry excuse for a "Christian". One day you will be judged for the way you chose to interpret His word. We were blessed with dominion over these animals. That means we are their protectors and providers. Dominion does not give us the right to abuse these animals.
32321099Well Ron,... said on Wednesday, Nov 18 at 6:14 PM
Oh, and I guess b/c Woman was created for man, and man is to have full power over women, you can treat your wife however you like. 1 Corinthians 14:34-36 "Let your women keep silence in the churches: for it is not permitted unto them to speak; but they are commanded to be under obedience as also saith the law. And if they will learn any thing, let them ask their husbands at home: for it is a shame for women to speak in the church."
32320701Well Ron,... said on Wednesday, Nov 18 at 6:10 PM
They way you seem to see things, animals are here for what ever want to do with them. Does this suggest you support dog fighting or animal torture? And while God may created animals for man, he also states that "A righteous man cares for the needs of his animal, but the kindest acts of the wicked are cruel" (Proverbs 12:10).
32320456L.D. said on Wednesday, Nov 18 at 5:52 PM
Come on folks, the point is, if people will do this to defenseless pets, what are they capable of doing to humans? And would you want these type of people taking care of your child, aging parent, etc. It IS one in the same. Cruel is Cruel!
32319494Ron said on Wednesday, Nov 18 at 5:49 PM
Christ died for our sins but not that of animals. They where created for us and not the other way around. A good Christian follows The Bible instead of their emotions.
32319376FED UP w/ FED UP said on Wednesday, Nov 18 at 5:44 PM
So...some of you treat this like it's of no concern. I'm no PETA fan, but come on, this is animal abuse. If you don't have a problem with that, you're just plain pathetic. (and I'm sure you consider yourselves "good christian" people. Well...you might wanna think about that (probably while you kick you dog).
32319094princeton said on Wednesday, Nov 18 at 5:20 PM
FED UP- I agree these people are making a big deal out of puppies but we have humans starving to death? These people should be in jail for stupidity....
32317901J.M. said on Wednesday, Nov 18 at 5:18 PM
Beth is correct. This lady ( and i use the term loosely ) has been turned in over and over but nobody stepped up to do the right thing.This has been a well known problem for years . Its not like she was hiding the fact she had puppies for sale .
32317824Rescuer said on Wednesday, Nov 18 at 4:54 PM
Dogs don't have a voice they need our help to survive. This does matter! Go look at some of those puppies and you tell me then if they matter.
32316626BRAD said on Wednesday, Nov 18 at 4:44 PM
Were the animals being fed and cared for properly?
32316049Ralph said on Wednesday, Nov 18 at 4:33 PM
They are just animals. Sounds like we have Obama worshipping PETA members on here.
32315409Beth said on Wednesday, Nov 18 at 4:28 PM
The Sheriff's Department, State Police, and Department of Agriculture have been receiving complaints on her for years. Why no one has done anything until now, I cannot understand. Maybe someone who "matters" finally complained.
32315091Anonymous said on Wednesday, Nov 18 at 4:24 PM
Interesting comment there at 3:12. I guess if more people, including the author of the comment, read their Bible (and lived by what they read) there would be no need for such profession of dominance! ;)
32314839gracekelly said on Wednesday, Nov 18 at 4:24 PM
sure would be nice if surrounding county Humane Societies could help house them, how likely is that too happen?
32314824gracekelly said on Wednesday, Nov 18 at 4:23 PM
here is comes again...a slap on the hands
32314741FED UP said on Wednesday, Nov 18 at 4:21 PM
YOU CALL THIS BREAKING NEWS? WE HAVE MORE IMPORTANT THINGS TO WORRY ABOUT THAN PUPPIES! I MEAN MILLIONS OF AMERICANS ARE HUNGRY, HOMELESS, AND JOBLESS! WE SHOULD BE MORE CONCERNED WITH THAT!
32314636Ron said on Wednesday, Nov 18 at 4:12 PM
Animals are our dominion so this should be allowed. Read your Bibles folks.
32314144PUGS RULE said on Wednesday, Nov 18 at 4:05 PM
I'll never understand people's cruelty.....
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