URGENT UPDATE: An 83-year-old man from Stroud, Oklahoma is facing a staggering 408 charges of animal cruelty for allegedly operating a horrific puppy mill. Jerry Dean Hine has been accused of keeping more than 400 Maltese dogs in deplorable conditions at his shop, Add Love, located on W. Main Street.
Authorities have confirmed that Hine was scheduled to appear in court on Thursday in Lincoln County, but he was transferred to Griffin Memorial Hospital in Norman on Wednesday. This developing situation has shocked the local community and animal welfare advocates alike.
The Humane Society of Tulsa stepped in to rescue the dogs, which were discovered in unlivable conditions. Many of the dogs were found requiring urgent grooming, with some suffering from sores and their fur matted with feces, urine, and even cockroaches. The conditions were so severe that Executive Director of Oklahoma Alliance for Animals, Mindy Tiner, emphasized the health hazards posed by puppy mills, especially in the summer heat.
“Some of those illnesses, because of the conditions there, they can be transmitted to humans,” Tiner stated. “And a lot of people who run puppy mills are sort of constantly vaccinating and giving antibiotics to the dogs.”
Local residents expressed their disbelief at the shocking revelations. Warren Hensley, who shops nearby, noted the unusual and unpleasant odors emanating from the Add Love shop. “You could walk past there and it’d be like, real smelly and everything,” he said, reflecting the community’s concerns.
Tiner urged prospective dog owners to be vigilant. “Just because somebody is licensed, does not mean that their animals are not in the condition that these animals are in,” she explained. “You should always ask to see the animals, to see where they came from, and the conditions that they were in.”
If convicted, Hine could face fines of up to $5,000 and potentially serve up to five years in prison, or both.
As the case unfolds, the Humane Society and local authorities will continue to monitor the situation closely. This urgent matter highlights the ongoing issue of animal welfare and the need for public awareness regarding puppy mills. Stay tuned for further updates on this alarming story that has captured the attention of animal rights advocates nationwide.
