44 dogs rescued from Atlanta puppy mill; property owners in custody

ATLANTA, Ga. (FOX 5 Atlanta) - Dozens of dogs are now safe after being rescued from a puppy mill operation in Lamar County.

The Atlanta Humane Society worked with local authorities to save the 44 dogs, who were found living in deplorable conditions with no food or drinkable water.

Investigators say the dogs were matted and living outside in muddy pens, sitting in their own feces and urine.

The dogs are a mix of golden-doodles, Bernese Mountain dogs, golden retrievers, German Shepherds and Great Pyrenees.

The property owners were taken into custody. Their identities have not yet been made public.

The humane society is treating 16 of the dogs. Great Pyrenees Rescue of Atlanta and Furkids Animal Rescue and Shelters took in 8 and 10 dogs, respectively.

One female dog and her puppies were reportedly diagnosed with parvo and are being treated at a local veterinarian before being transported to an area shelter.

The rescue organizations are reaching out for donations as they face an influx of neglected dogs. A list of shelters that have taken in dogs from the puppy mill rescue and are accepting donations can be found below: