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Breeder Could Face Charges In Dog Neglect Case

MINNEAPOLIS (WCCO) – Authorities said a dog breeder near Fargo could face neglect charges after a veterinary clinic seized more than 170 dogs that were in kennels filled with waste.

The Casselton Veterinary Clinic seized the dogs from a Wheatland, North Dakota, breeder. The dogs, which were Maltese, Yorkshire Terriers and Shih Tzus, were squeezed into portable kennels that had been filled with waste.

NewsRadio 830 WCCO's Daphne Adato Reports

Breeder Could Face Charges In Dog Neglect Case

Authorities said the breeder, Darcy Smith, has been selling dogs for about 12 years. Many of the animals went to pet stores. One local pet store owner said he bought dogs from her several times.

The state attorney's office said it's considering animal neglect charges against Smith. Most of the dogs are expected to survive, and it's estimated that it will cost about $500 each to get the dogs ready for adoption. Officials said donations to help out will be accepted at Bremer Banks through the "Operation Cass County Rover Rescue."

Authorities said the case is still under investigation.

North Dakota Dog Rescue
(credit: CBS)
North Dakota Dog Rescue
(credit: CBS)
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