HABERSHAM COUNTY, Ga. — Hundreds of dogs are recovering in emergency shelters after they were seized from a home in Habersham County.
The dogs were found living in deplorable conditions at a home in Clarkesville. They were rescued earlier this month.
Animal control officers said it was the largest animal rescue operation to ever take place in Habersham County.
"It's heartbreaking to think how many animals went through this and how animals suffered through this at the expense of greed," said Madie Hawkins, the director of Habersham County Animal Care and Control.
Teresa and Clarence Bramblett are facing more than 300 counts of animal cruelty. They bonded out of jail this week.
Authorities believe they were running a multistate puppy mill, including Georgia and Kentucky.
"At this time, I am confident that this was in fact a puppy mill that had been in operation for quite some time," Hawkins said.
She is leading the criminal investigation into the Brambletts.
"We have confirmed that this is an operation that has been around since 2007. We're talking a 10-year span on animal neglect that has been occurring," she said.
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Channel 2's Chris Jose spoke to Clarence Bramblett who said he and his wife are hardworking people. He said he would have to talk to his lawyer before he could answer any questions.
Hawkins and her staff said it could be a few weeks before the dogs can be adopted. When the dogs are ready, there will be a strict interview process. The staff will require families to go through training on how to care for abused dogs.
You can learn more about adopting the dogs, on the Habersham County animal shelter Facebook page.
Cox Media Group