Thursday, March 4, 2010
Prosecution Will Not Be Forthcoming In Alleged Puppy Mill Case
According to a press release issued Wednesday by District Attorney General Mike Bottoms, criminal prosecution will not be forthcoming against a Leoma couple recently accused by animal activists of animal cruelty and operating a puppy mill at their Leoma home.
The case came about on Saturday, February 20, 2010 after members of the Lawrence County Animal Welfare 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 40 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 and dental conditions and that one had sustained a severed spine.
A sheriff’s department investigator called to the scene prior to the seizure of the dogs did not issue charges against the owner citing a lack of evidence of any type of cruelty.
After the animals were removed, many were placed into foster care with plans to allow them to be adopted. Owners Rex and Jennifer Parrott were able to obtain a temporary restraining order, preventing the adoptions.
On Tuesday both sides reached an agreement allowing the league to retain possession of the dogs. The injunction barring the dogs’ adoptions was to remain in place, until such time that a full hearing might be held on the matter.
The press release issued by Bottoms reads as follows: “After a thorough investigation, the District Attorney's office has determined that the Animal Welfare League and Jessica Smith (league representative) acted illegally by going on the property of Mr. and Mrs. Parrott without a search warrant to gather evidence. The Tennessee and United States Constitution prohibit unlawful searches and seizures. In such cases where there is an illegal search, all evidence would be suppressed.
“In addition, the District Attorney's investigation revealed no proof that the animals were neglected. Investigator Robert Denton of the Lawrence County Sheriff's Office went to the property with permission of the owners before the seizure of the animals and found no reason to make any arrest from what he observed. After it was determined that there would not be any arrest, the Animal Welfare League again entered the property illegally and took 40 animals.
“Several members of the Animal Welfare League were wearing large gold badges indicating ‘Special Agent’ on the badge. It is unlawful to represent yourself as a law enforcement agent when you are not. A search of the courthouse records revealed that these persons were not bonded and had no law enforcement training or authority. The investigation further revealed that the more desirable and expensive dogs were given to friends and relatives of the Animal Welfare League. These instant adoptions are very suspect as to motive.
“Mr. and Mrs. Parrott have notified the District Attorney's Office that they no longer desire to operate a kennel and will adopt the dogs out upon their return. They have agreed to communicate and work with the Lawrence County Humane Society in this process…which is not affiliated or connected to the Animal Welfare League in any capacity…”
Bottoms indicated he has notified Lawrence County Executive Paul Rosson of the decision, “since it is not the county’s responsibility to continue to feed and care for these animals.” In addition, he has requested the cooperation of Sheriff Kenny Taylor and his department “in returning the animals to their rightful owner.”
A statement issued by the Animal Welfare League Wednesday evening in response to Bottom’s press release refutes some of Bottoms’ assertions. League representative Jessica Smith contends that, “No animals have been adopted to friends or family of the league. The dogs in the worst conditions are, however, being fostered in the homes of League members.” She indicates that the badges worn at the scene by league members “are not meant to represent league members as law enforcement,” and points out that expenses associated with the operation have not been foisted onto the shoulders of county tax payers. “Generous citizens and volunteers,” she points out, have provided , “all veterinary care, medications, grooming, food and other supplies.” In addition, she emphasizes that a deputy, assisted by county inmates, did aid league members in removing the animals from the property.
Bottoms requests that anyone who may be fostering any of the Parrott’s animals, contact the sheriff's department at 762-3626 to make arrangements for their return.
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