WECT TV6 - WECT.com - Wilmington, NC news and weather - Wilmington Breeder Charged with Animal Cruelty
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JULY 22, 2005 -- Larry Smith and his wife are being charged with nine counts of animal cruelty. Jean McNeil explains, "We found several dogs that didn't have food and water. Also, the conditions they were living in were bad."
Earlier this week, officers seized nearly 140 dachshunds, as well as cats and birds from Smith's home on Camelia Lane in Wilmington. The investigation stemmed from a complaint.
Smith's friends stand by him. Mary Tucker said he gave his Dachshunds the best care."If you keep a dog in terrible conditions long enough it shows. I've been in Larry's house many times, these dogs weren't treated badly," said Tucker.
However, the Smith's haven't owned a breeders permit for more than a year.
The little Dachshunds are now evidence, locked in the cages at the Animal Control Shelter where they're remaining until the case is closed. They're now being treated like kings. Many people have stopped by the shelter to bring donations and food.
Reported By Maggie Alexander
