URGENT UPDATE: An 83-year-old man in Stroud, Oklahoma, is facing 408 charges of animal cruelty for allegedly operating a horrific puppy mill. Jerry Dean Hine was expected to appear in court on Thursday, but authorities report he was transferred to Griffin Memorial Hospital on Wednesday instead.
The alarming situation unfolded when the Humane Society of Tulsa discovered over 400 Maltese dogs locked away in deplorable conditions at Hine’s establishment, known as Add Love, located on W. Main Street. Many of these dogs were found with severe grooming needs, suffering from sores, and living amidst feces, urine, and cockroaches.
Mindy Tiner, Executive Director of Oklahoma Alliance for Animals, emphasized the grave health risks posed by such puppy mills, especially during summer heat. “Some of those illnesses, because of the conditions there, can be transmitted to humans,” Tiner stated.
Locals in Stroud expressed disbelief and anger over the situation. Warren Hensley, who frequents a grocery store nearby, commented, “I do think it’s wrong for him to do what he did to the dogs,” noting that the area frequently had a foul smell.
As Hine faces potential penalties that could include fines of up to $5,000 and a prison sentence of up to five years, Tiner urges the public to be vigilant against puppy mills. “Just because somebody is licensed does not mean that their animals are not in the condition that these animals are in,” she cautioned, encouraging families to adopt and scrutinize the conditions of any animals before purchasing.
The community is reeling from the impact of this shocking revelation, highlighting the urgent need for awareness and action against animal cruelty. As this developing story unfolds, all eyes will be on the judicial proceedings against Hine and the fate of the rescued dogs.
Stay tuned for further updates as we follow this critical situation in Stroud.
