121 Neglected Dogs Seized in Tarpon Springs

A breeding operation that sold Pomeranians, Yorkshire Terriers and Maltese was investigated Monday by Pinellas County Sheriff's deputies, U.S Department of Agriculture and the Suncoast Animal League. Dogs were found in small crates filled with urine and feces inside a house owned by Teresita Hughes who sold puppies through her website http://www.raffinankennel.net/. On the website are telephones with receivers jumping, I assume to represent how many calls she gets. Ms. Hughes' puppies sell for $1300-$3000. This clearly is a money making factory. The dogs are now under the care of Suncoast Animal League and will be housed in three local animal shelters. More can be read about this case in today's Tampa Tribune.