Tuesday, March 2, 2010
Injunction Prohibiting Dog Adoptions Remains Until Complete Hearing Is Held
An agreement reached Tuesday will, for the time being, leave in place an injunction that prohibits local animal advocates from allowing the adoption of dogs recently obtained from an alleged Leoma puppy mill.
The case of Jennifer Parrott versus the Lawrence County Animal Welfare League was to be heard by Judge Jim T. Hamilton in Lawrence County Circuit Court Tuesday morning.
The case came about on Saturday, February 20, 2010 after members of the league called for an investigation of alleged animal cruelty and neglect at Parrott Puppy Farm on Richardson Road.
During the operation league members, assisted by a Lawrence County Sheriff’s Deputy, removed approximately 50 dogs from the premises.
They were inspected by a veterinarian the following Monday. The vet reported many of the dogs suffered from various types of skin conditions and that one had suffered a severed spine.
A sheriff’s department investigator called to the scene did not issue charges against the owner, however, citing a lack of evidence of any type of cruelty.
After the animals were removed, many were placed into foster care. Others were housed at the temporary jail facility at the landfill. The league had planned to allow immediate adoption of many of the animals, however owner Jennifer Parrott was able to obtain a temporary restraining order, preventing the adoptions. A hearing on the matter had been slated for Tuesday.
Prior to the beginning of the hearing, however, representatives of both sides were able to reach an agreement. Under the agreement the league will retain possession of the dogs, yet the injunction barring their adoption will remain in place, until such time that a full hearing on the matter is held.
Franklin Attorney Casey Long has filed a civil suit against the league on behalf of Parrott. The league is represented by Lawrenceburg Attorney Gary Nutt.
Following Tuesday’s proceedings league officials expressed their intent to continue with their pursuit of criminal charges against Parrott.
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