More Than 170 Dogs Rescued In Turner Co.

Officials with the Humane Society of the United States say they have rescued 172 dogs from an alleged puppy mill in Turner County. Second Chance Rescue and the Turner County Sheriff's Department assisted with the rescue, according to a news release from the Humane Society of the United States (HSUS).

"These animals were clearly lacking proper medical care and socialization, and were kept in constant confinement their entire lives," senior director of Emergency Services at The HSUS Scotlund Haisley said in the release.

According to officials, the investigation began after a consumer who bought a sick puppy from the operator's Web site filed a complaint. Second Chance Rescue called in The HSUS and the Turner County Sheriff's Department to rescue the animals.

Responders found 172 dogs, including German shorthair pointers and Weimaraners. The release says many of the dogs appear to have skin and eye infections, untreated medical conditions and parasite infestation.

The rescue team removed all of the dogs from the property and transported them to a temporary shelter set up by United Animal Nations, The HSUS and Second Chance Rescue.