Woman adopted sick dog from Orphan Kanines: "Bad smell & strange conditions"
CALEDONIA (WITI) -- Charges are expected to be filed on Tuesday, June 3rd against the operator of Orphan Kanines in Caledonia, Debra Gray -- where dozens of animals were recovered on Thursday, May 29th.
Judy Parsons and Zane, a 4-year-old Beagle Labrador mix, make a trip to the dog park. Zane likes to put in some exercise, but he wasn't always this healthy.
"You could barely touch his stomach, he would cringe. It was so tender," said Parsons.
A problem Parsons believes started at Orphan Kanines. She adopted Zane from the shelter shortly after losing another pet.
"When I got there, they wouldn't let you go back to the back to see the dogs." said Parsons. "They brought Zane up and he was very introverted, he didn't want to come by anybody."
Parsons said the smell was bad and the conditions strange. Not long after bringing Zane home, she says the problems began.
"Within a couple of months, he had to go tot he vet, he was experiencing a lot of intestinal problems," said Parsons.
The vet found the dogs stomach lining was abnormally enlarged and had to perform surgery. Parsons says the vet figured the problems were from the atmosphere Zane came from.
"She ought to be ashamed of herself," said Parsons.
Gray went before a judge on Friday for a probable cause hearing. The Racine County district attorney says so many animals have been recovered, police are still writing up their reports -- and that's why charges may not come until Tuesday. Bail for Gray was set at $5,000.
Gray's mother and daughter spoke after the court appearance.
"She truly believed in rehabilitation, no bill. You don't need to kill somebody's problem," said Ravann Lacuran, Gray's daughter.
"Why arrest a 56 year old woman who can barely walk, throw her in jail, no medication for her. None of the dogs got their medication and she's heartless? I'm sorry, it's not her that's heartless," said Marilyn Checki, Gray's mother.
In 2012, the state denied Gray's request for a license after seeing the sanitary conditions. A re-inspection showed she got rid of most of her animals at that time -- and promised not to run a shelter.
Wisconsin Humane Society officials said on Friday that 80 dogs, nine cats and two pigs were recovered from the shelter and two other properties.
Parsons has a hard time believing what Gray's family says when defending her actions.
"She has a love for animals, but you don't have a love for animals if you make them live in those conditions," said Parsons.
The Wisconsin Humane Society has assumed care for the animals -- and officials indicate the animals are not ready for adoption at this point.
Donations to help with the care of the dogs, cats and pigs are being accepted at the Wisconsin Humane Society's three locations. You can also donate online by CLICKING HERE.
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