500 Dogs Seized from Heddins Kennel

The AP Press and the Houston Chronicle reported that the Humane Society and the Montague County Sheriff’s Department served search warrants at Maggic Pets/Heddins Kennel at which time they confiscated nearly 500 dogs. They served the search warrant after receiving complaints that the dogs were not being cared for properly.

Authorities found dogs in crates double-stacked in outbuildings, as well as in outdoor kennels and pens. Some had skin conditions and open wounds. The dogs in the worst condition were discovered at the back of the property which was off limits to the customers where they also found several dead animals.

The kennel is owned by Carol Heddins, who was taken to the hospital by ambulance due to a heart condition when the officers had arrived. Her husband, Cloyce, told the Fort Worth Star-Telegram that the dogs have received proper care and authorities were given bad information. The kennel offers on it’s Web Site breeds that include Pugs, Schnauzers, toy Beagles, Akitas, and Shi Tzus.

Cloyce Heddings told the newspaper “We’ve been in this business a long time. If you raise dogs, you’ve got to get them veterinary care, especially if you’re trying to make a living of it.”

The dogs were taken to a Fort Worth warehouse donated to temporarily house them. The Montague County Justice of the Peace will make a ruling whether to return the animals to the kennel or grant custody to the humane society.

The full story can be read at http://www.chron.com/disp/story.mpl/ap/tx/6518661.html