Logan County man arrested in puppy mill investigation
RUSSELLVILLE, Ky. – An arrest has been made following an investigation that led to a large number of dogs being rescued from a mill in Logan County.
On Aug. 1 around 2:05 p.m., the LCSO conducted a search warrant at a residence belonging to Perry E. Shifflet, 54, on Milton Sharpe Road in reference to multiple tips about animal neglect, according to the sheriff’s office. Officials stated a lengthy investigation on suspected animal abuse and neglect took place, leading to 115 dogs and puppies being removed from poor living conditions and medical neglect. The dogs were taken in by the Logan County Humane Society, later assisted by Bowling Green-Warren County Humane Society, for fostering, medical care adoptions.
A complaint warrant by Logan Count Sheriff’s Office stated that around 22 puppies were found in a concrete shed next to the home, and conditions included no air conditioning besides a small floor fan and outside temperatures hovering around 90 degrees. Officials further stated that the crates were stacked in a row of three to four with two to three on top of each other in the garage, possibly causing the animals to defecate on the others. Forty to 50 small dogs did not have space to move, and they did not have food or water available where they were kept on the back porch, according to authorities. In addition, 15 large and smaller dogs without access to water were found in the backyard, and puppies between one to 10 weeks old were found inside the home in “plastic moving totes and small crates,” according to authorities.
Conditions of the small dogs on the porch included long, jagged or broken nails, matted fur and flea infestation, stated the warrant.
According to a release by the sheriff’s office, the animals were assessed by trained professionals to establish levels of injury or mistreatment. They were rated on a scale from one to five, with one being the worst condition – the complaint warrant stated “many dogs received lower than 2 on overall health.”
Based on findings, a deputy presented criminal charges to the Logan County Attorney’s Office, according to authorities. The warrant stated Shifflet willingly surrendered the animals to the Logan County Humane Society for adoption and proper care.
Shifflet was arrested and held in Logan County Detention Center on Aug. 24. He is charged with 115 counts of second-degree cruelty to animals. Shifflet was released the same day on a $2,500 bond.
Ray Wilson, the director of Logan County Humane Society, said there are currently five small dogs left for adoption from the mill seizure, as well as three huskies and three German shepherds.
