ASPCA Assists Local Authorities in the Removal of More than 40 Dogs from Kentucky Puppy Mill

Nancy, Ky.—The ASPCA^® (American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals^®), at the request of the Pulaski County Sheriff’s Office and Pulaski County Attorney's Office, is assisting in the removal, transport, sheltering and medical treatment of more than 40 dogs from a large, substandard breeding facility—frequently referred to as a puppy mill—called Dream Catcher Kennels in Nancy, Ky. The Kentucky Humane Society (KHS) is supporting the ASPCA with the removal of the animals as well as the medical triage and sheltering operation. 

The dogs—ranging from Chihuahuas to bloodhounds—were discovered living in filthy, deplorable conditions. Many have untreated medical issues and were found living with little or no shelter in below freezing temperatures.

Dennis Bradley, 61, the owner and operator of Dream Catcher Kennels, is scheduled to appear in Pulaski District Court on January 22 where he is expected to enter a guilty plea to the charge of cruelty to animals in the second degree, an offense with which he was charged with earlier this year after local authorities received numerous complaints about the conditions at Dream Catcher Kennels. As part of the plea deal, Mr. Bradley has surrendered the dogs at his facility and will face six months in jail probated for a term of 24 months. He will not be allowed to operate a kennel or breeding operation for the duration of his probation.

“We commend Deputy Glen Bland for his tireless work and efforts, along with the ASPCA, to bring Mr. Bradley to justice for operating a facility which exposed so many dogs to the deplorable conditions they were forced to live in,” said Sheriff Todd Wood with the Pulaski County Sheriff’s Office. “The collaboration between law enforcement and the ASPCA enabled our agencies to save these dogs from certain demise, and I applaud the ASPCA for being a voice for these animals who otherwise would not receive the care and attention they so desperately need.” 

Pulaski County Attorney Martin Hatfield added, “We are delighted to partner with the ASPCA in the investigation and prosecution of this case. Their role has provided valuable resources which have allowed us to not only fully pursue prosecution of those responsible for operating this puppy mill, but just as importantly, the ability to remove, treat and shelter the affected animals.”

“People who run facilities like this are interested in making a profit, not in the well-being of the animals,” said Kathryn Destreza, director of Investigations for ASPCA Field Investigations and Response. “As is true for most puppy mill dogs, these dogs appear to have gone most of their lives without basic necessities or much exposure to humans. We hope to give these dogs much-needed medical treatment and place them quickly into new homes where they can learn what it means to be a pet.”

The ASPCA and KHS have established a temporary shelter in Louisville, Ky. where the dogs will receive veterinary exams and care with supplies provided by PetSmart Charities, Inc. Once medical assessments are complete, the ASPCA Anti-Cruelty Behavior Team will begin behavior evaluations and provide socialization and enrichment with support from the KHS before placing them with local and national animal welfare groups to be made available for adoption. 

“The Kentucky Humane Society’s veterinary, shelter services and behavior teams will work with the ASPCA to provide the medical attention, behavior help and love these dogs need,” said KHS President and CEO Lori Redmon. “After the ASPCA determines the dogs are healthy and behaviorally sound, we will help them find loving, permanent homes for these dogs.”

The conditions at Dream Catcher Kennels originally came to light after The Humane Society of the United States submitted an undercover video to local authorities.

The ASPCA Field Investigations and Response team has rescued countless dogs from puppy mills across the nation. Furthermore, the ASPCA’s Government Relations department has been active in promoting legislation at both the state and federal levels to strengthen regulations and raise minimum standards of care for dogs in puppy mills. Kentucky is one of only 20 states without any regulations in place to protect dogs in commercial breeding facilities. Additionally, the ASPCA launched a national “No Pet Store Puppies” campaign, which seeks to raise awareness about the connection between puppy mills and pet stores and end the demand for puppy mill dogs. For more information about puppy mills and how to fight animal cruelty, visit www.nopetstorepuppies.com.