(CUSTER COUNTY, Colo.) — A large operation in Custer County resulted in close to 90 animals being seized for health concerns, and charges are pending with the 11th Judicial District Attorney’s (DA) Office, according to the Custer County Sheriff’s Office (CCSO).
CCSO said a citizen complaint was received on Feb. 13 regarding a large commercial kennel in Custer County that was operating under a special use permit issued by Custer County. Initial investigation provided probable cause for a judge to sign a search warrant, and deputies executed the warrant on Monday, Feb, 24.
CCSO said two veterinarians and one veterinary technician also responded to the facility to examine the animals, and following the exams, 86 at-risk animals were seized and transported to care facilities around the region:
77 dogs
Two horses
One donkey
Three hens
Three cats
Numerous entities took part in the large-scale operation, including National Mill Dog Rescue, the 11th Judicial DA’s Office, Colorado Department of Agriculture (CDA), CDA Division of Animal Welfare, Teller County Sheriff’s Office Animal Control, Park County Sheriff’s Office Animal Control, Colorado Brand Inspector, CCSO, Custer County EMS, Bureau of Land Management, and the Custer County Planning and Zoning Office.
CCSO highlighted the dedication and hard work of everyone involved, but particularly National Mill Dog Rescue.
“It is unusual to mention a charity in a law enforcement press release, but the National Mill Dog Rescue in Peyton Colorado certainly deserves a shout out,” CCSO said in a Facebook post. “They provided pre-incident support. They provided one of the on scene veterinarians as well as a transport vehicle with two additional personnel. They will be housing most of the dogs and providing much needed medical care. We understand that the same transport vehicle is being used today in Oklahoma to help rescue 200 dogs.”
CCSO said its deputies and partners worked into the evening on Monday cleaning vehicles, trailers and uniforms to prevent the spread of disease.
The investigation is ongoing, and as charges are pending with the 11th Judicial DA, the name of the kennel and owners have not been released.
