Stroud Man, 83, Faces 408 Charges in Puppy Mill Scandal
BREAKING: An 83-year-old man in Stroud, Oklahoma, is facing an astonishing 408 charges of animal cruelty for allegedly operating a notorious puppy mill. Jerry Dean Hine was set to appear in court on Thursday, October 12, but instead, he was transferred to Griffin Memorial Hospital in Norman on Wednesday, according to reports from local authorities.
The shocking discovery was made when the Humane Society of Tulsa rescued over 400 Maltese dogs found in appalling conditions inside Hine’s business, Add Love LLC, located on W. Main Street. Many of the dogs were suffering from severe neglect, requiring urgent grooming, with some displaying visible sores and their fur infested with feces, urine, and insects.
Mindy Tiner, Executive Director of the Oklahoma Alliance for Animals, highlighted the serious health risks posed by such puppy mills, particularly during hot weather. “Some of those illnesses can be transmitted to humans,” she stated, emphasizing the danger that these operations pose not only to animals but to the community at large.
Local residents are reeling from the news. Warren Hensley, a shopper at a nearby grocery store, expressed his shock, noting that the smell emanating from Add Love raised suspicions long before the investigation. “You could walk past there and it’d be really smelly,” he recalled.
The legal implications for Hine could be severe. If convicted, he faces a fine of up to $5,000, a potential prison sentence of up to five years, or both. As this case unfolds, Tiner urges the public to be vigilant when considering pet purchases. “Just because somebody is licensed does not mean that their animals are not in poor condition,” she warned, advocating for adoption and responsible pet ownership.
Local authorities continue to investigate the situation, with the Humane Society working to rehabilitate the rescued dogs. The community is now left to grapple with the implications of Hine’s alleged actions and the urgent need for stricter regulations on animal breeding practices.
As further developments arise, all eyes will be on the upcoming court proceedings and the fate of these vulnerable animals. Stay tuned for updates on this critical story as it continues to unfold.
