In Bowie, TX. nearly 500 dogs were seized from the Maggic Pets/Heddins Kennels after a complaint the animals weren’t receiving proper veterinary care.
There were several dead animals found on the premises which according to the website offers breeds including pugs, schnauzers, toy beagles, akitas and shitzus.
Cloyce Heddins, the husband of the kennel’s owner, told the Fort Worth Star-Telegram that the dogs received proper care and authorities had bad information. He said his wife, Carol, has heart problems and was taken to a hospital by ambulance when officers arrived.
“We’ve been in this business a long time,” Heddins told the newspaper. “If you raise dogs, you’ve got to get them veterinary care, especially if you’re trying to make a living of it.”
Sandy Grambort, a supervisor with the Humane Society of North Texas, said authorities found dogs in crates double-stacked in outbuildings, as well as in outdoor pens and kennels. Some had skin conditions and open sores, she said.
While not all the dogs appeared to have health problems, she said those in the poorest condition were discovered at the back of the property, where customers are not allowed.
Almost 500 dogs is a huge number, one which seems too large for any one kennel to handle. While not all the dogs were found to be in bad condition I find it very disconcerting that the ones in the worst condition were in an area not open to customers. Let alone the fact that a few dead animals were found on the premises.
The dogs are being housed at a warehouse until a Montague County justice of the peace determines if they should remain in custody of the HSNT or be returned to the kennel.
