Last week, 83 year old Jerry Hine, of Stroud, owner and operator of Add Love Pets, LLC, was booked into Lincoln County Jail on alleged Cruelty to Animal charges. Today, Hines faces 408 counts of animal cruelty.
His kennel has been shut down for good and 408 dogs are being prepared for forever homes. Hine's bond was set at $25,000. Although on Tuesday, July 22, a summary order was filed that the defendant appeared to be mentally unstable and should be evaluated. It directed the Lincoln County Sheriff to transport Hine to Griffin Memorial Hospital in Norman for evaluation.
Over 400 Maltese dogs were seized and removed from Hine's so called kennel. Hine’s kennel license with the City of Stroud had expired on June 30, this year. Various complaints against Hine had been made in the past but nothing was able to be done about it.
Reports showed the animals living in horrid conditions. Some of the animals were matted so badly that they couldn’t defecate. An ammonia reading reported that there were over 100 parts per million (ppm) in the air due the amount of urine. Dogs were on top of dogs and multiple dogs had feces matted to their hair, in their face, all over their bodies.
There were dogs that had their fur actually separating from the skin. Several dogs living together in small cages. The dogs were transported to the humane society in Tulsa for further medical treatment and hopefully adoption. The dogs have received critical veterinary care and much needed relief by shaving their matted coats which were full of feces, urine and even dead cockroaches. The Tulsa Humane Society said this is the most dogs they’ve ever taken at once. On Monday, July 23, four volunteers from the International Fund for Animal Welfare (IFAW) showed up to help. These trained volunteers traveled from all over the country to assist during one of the largest rescue operations ever in the state of Oklahoma. These amazing individuals are cleaning, shaving, bathing, feeding, and LOVING on over 400+ dogs and many thank to the community giving donations and volunteering the little dogs are getting the much needed care they, deserve.
In 2017,the Humane Society of the United States (HSUS) published its annual ‘Horrible Hundred’ list . Two Oklahoma breeders made the list – one in Chandler and one in Stroud. The HSUS defines a puppy mill as a breeding establishment that puts profit over the welfare of the animals. One of the Oklahoma breeders listed in the HSUS report was Jerry Hine, of Stroud. HSUS investigators reportedly found stench and crowded wire cages. Investigators also found that on Hine’s website, he allegedly offered to ship puppies without the required USDA license. Jerry Hine operated a puppy store in Stroud, and also bred dogs in an adjacent building. Due to multiple complaints about the conditions in the store and kennel, the HSUS sent investigators to the property in December 2016 and again in March 2017. Although the investigators did not find signs of illegal animal cruelty, they did witness several signs of puppy mill like conditions, including a foul odor and dozens of dogs confined to small, crowded wire cages. Hine offered a variety of breeds Maltese, Yorkshire terriers and Weimaraners. All very expensive breeds.
He also offered to ship the dogs to you for a $250 fee. A USDA license is required for commercial breeders with five or more breeding females who ship puppies sight-unseen to pet buyers.
This was not the first time Hine has been investigated; according to news reports, in 2007, local authorities followed up on complaints of poor conditions and dogs living inside a trailer. A potential buyer witnessed dogs in stacked wire cages without water and noted a stench of ammonia. At that time, authorities cited Hine for not having the proper license.
Now let's move in the other direction, another arrest was made this week near Kellyville. Angela Dawn Peeks, age 53, was arrested after a search warrant was executed on her residence. The Creek County Sheriff's office found over 40 dogs living without adequate food, water or veterinary care. All the dogs were infested with fleas and had skin conditions. One puppy was not able to be saved.
Oklahoma Alliance for Animals and Big Bones Canine Rescue immediatley stepped in to assist law enforcement in removing the dogs. Big Bones Rescue took 15 of the dogs while Oklahoma Alliance is caring for the others.
Peeks has been charged with 42 counts of alleged animal cruelty. The bond has been set at $20,000 per count with the bond total of $840,000.
On Monday, James Peeks, spouse of Angela Peeks, was taken into custody and booked into Creek County Jail, also on 42 counts of alleged animal cruelty. His bond has also been set at $840,000.