Duncan puppy mill suspended sentence angers animal rights activists

(Duncan-AP) -- Animal rights activists are angry at a suspended sentence for a Duncan man accused of running a puppy mill where dozens of dogs were euthanized in December. <br><br>J-V Holt received five

Tuesday, June 11th 2002, 12:00 am

By: News On 6

(Duncan-AP) -- Animal rights activists are angry at a suspended sentence for a Duncan man accused of running a puppy mill where dozens of dogs were euthanized in December.

J-V Holt received five years suspended today after pleading guilty to an animal cruelty charge. Holt must also pay the maximum 500-dollar fine.

The plea agreement also resulted in charges being dropped against Holt's son Jack.

Authorities found 251 Pomeranians, Chihuahuas and other small breed dogs living in stacked metal cages filled with old newspapers, urine and feces.

Prosecutor Jerry Herberger says courtroom spectators got so mad at the sentence they called Holt's defense attorney a murderer. Herberger says the dogs could have gone back to the Holts without the plea agreement.

Homes are still needed for almost fifty of the dogs.