Three people have been indicted in connection with an Avra Valley puppy mill from which approximately 750 small dogs were seized in March, an official said Wednesday.
Billy R. Jones, 67, Wanda L. Jones, 64, and Robert Allen Jones, 44, have been indicted on the following counts:
∫ 37 counts of cruel mistreatment of an animal
∫ Three counts of cruelty to animals
∫ One count of fraudulent scheme or practice.
The dogs were being bred and sold by a couple who live at the home in the 12200 block of West Manville Road, authorities said. Some of the teacup Chihuahuas were offered for sale on the Internet for prices up to $2,400 each.
Authorities became aware of the case after a woman who purchased a dog from the couple took her pet to the vet because it had kennel cough.
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She told the veterinarian that there were hundreds of dogs on the property and the vet advised her to contact authorities.
When Pima County Sheriff's Department officers went to the property, they found dogs in cages outside, and also found dogs inside the mobile home. There were also 36 exotic birds inside.
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