Puppy Mills are big business all over the
world. Big, horrible, cruel business. However, in the United States the state
of Arkansas is particularly guilty of operating cruel puppy mills with an
estimated 500 within the state alone. However, after the recent raid on White
Hall farm there is one less mill and over 100 animals saved.
In a joint effort between The Humane Society of the United States (HSUS) and the Jefferson Country Sheriff's Office,
officials conducted a raid on the property of James and Tara Best. On the farm,
officers were assaulted with the stench of ammonia upon entering the residence.
They found 121 puppy mill dogs living in filthy conditions. They were kept in
small cages, filled with feces and urine, lacking proper food and water, and in
need of veterinary care. Off the 40 acre farm, 121 dogs, 20 horses, 19
chickens, 11 exotic birds, cats, rabbits and turtles were all removed to Saline County Humane Society. Many of the animals were drastically underweight,
riddled with infection from improper living conditions, and in desperate need
of love.
Tara and James Best are faced with 100
counts of animal cruelty, which may be upgraded to aggravated animal cruelty by
Jefferson Country judges. This is just one story of the estimated 500 puppy
mills in the state. Since they are not required to register themselves as a business,
there are no requirements for annual inspection. However the volunteers at HSUS
are eager to begin working with lawmakers this year to change that with new
legislation proposals.
All of these animals are in need of loving homes;
however the animals will not be up for adoption until a judge makes the final
ruling on the punishment for White Hall farm owners.
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