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120 Small Dogs Rescued From Filthy House In Pinellas

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By RAY REYES | The Tampa Tribune

Published: April 7, 2008

TARPON SPRINGS More than 120 small dogs were found Monday living in deplorable conditions inside a Tarpon Springs home, the Pinellas County Sheriff's Office said.

Deputies, along with members of the U.S. Department of Agriculture and the Suncoast Animal League, investigated reports of animal neglect at 339 Ranch Road about 4:20 p.m., sheriff's Sgt. Jim Bordner said in a news release.

The investigation began today as a routine inspection and deputies found the dogs living in small wire crates inside the house. Each enclosure held between two to eight animals.

The dogs were living in their own feces and urine, the sheriff's office said. Some were injured and in need of medical attention.

The case will be referred to the State Attorney's Office and criminal charges may be pending against the homeowner and breeder, 69-year-old Teresita Hughes, authorities said.

The dogs have been taken by the Suncoast Animal League and will be housed temporarily in three local animal shelters, Bordner said.

Reporter Ray Reyes can be reached at (813) 259-7920 or rreyes@tampatrib.com.

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