BERRIEN COUNTY, Ga. (WTXL) — Just a week after 630 dogs were rescued from a south Georgia puppy mill, a local dog breeder has been arrested for bringing an additional 85 puppies back to his Berrien County business bringing the total number of dogs rescued to 715.
Reason Craig Gray, 58 of Nashville has been arrested and is facing several criminal charges for "cruel treatment of these dogs and obstruction," the Berrien County Sheriff's Office wrote on Facebook.
On Thursday, a week after 630 dogs were taken from Gray's business, the Georgia Department of Agriculture called the sheriff's office and said that they had spoken with Gray. During their conversation, officials say Gray admitted that he had brought additional puppies back to his Barney Parker Road property.
Investigators with the Berrien County Sheriff’s Office then searched Gray’s business, Georgia Puppies, and found 85 more dogs.
"An additional 85 dogs were taken into rescue by our animal control, and other rescue agencies,” Sheriff Paulk stated. The latest operation brings the total number of rescued dogs to 715.
They believe that Gray moved the young puppies out of the property when he voluntarily surrendered the 630 dogs that were found on the property last week and moved the puppies back a day or two later.
“There are many questions yet to be answered and one huge one is how this licensed pet dealer was allowed to have an operation with this many beautiful creatures to be able to populate to the point of being out of control and inhumane,” Sheriff Paulk said.
After a thorough search of the premises, Gray was arrested. Deputies say there are numerous charges pending on Gray, and as the investigation continues to unfold, they say there is no way to tell just how many charges will be filed.
Gray has been taken to the Berrien County Jail pending charges for, "the cruel treatment of these dogs and obstruction."
According to Sheriff Paulk, investigators are currently obtaining more documentation from the veterinarian examinations, retrieving statements, and reviewing the Georgia Department of Agriculture’s reports.
