Two people have been indicted in connection with operating what local authorities described as a puppy mill in eastern Tate County. Darrell Wesley Ashcraft, 71, and Teresa Warren Ashcraft, 67, of Coldwater, were indicted during the October session of the Tate County Grand Jury. Both were arrested and charged with multiple counts of animal cruelty Tuesday, Nov 10, and processed at the Tate County Jail before being released under $25,000 bonds, according to Investigator Lisa Sanders.
Officials from the Tate County Sheriff’s Office executed a search warrant at the site of Ashcraft Kennels at the 2200 block of East Tate Road in Coldwater on Feb. 3, and discovered 176 dogs living in what they reported as filthy and deplorable conditions. Sanders said dogs of various breeds were confiscated from the property after her office received a tip about possible animal abuse.
Sandy Williams, director of the Tunica County Humane Society, told the Tate Record in February she received information from several sources regarding dogs being neglected at the operation she described as a “puppy mill” before notifying authorities.
Volunteers from local animal rescue groups removed several dogs from a small building and others from kennels and cages at other locations on the property. Many of the dogs received medical treatment on scene from a veterinarian.
The dogs were transported from the site by the Tunica County Humane Society because the Senatobia-Tate County Animal Shelter was not equipped to house that many animals at the time.
Williams said over 100 dogs were found living in kennels and cages stacked ceiling-high in a building the size of a one-car garage and many of the animals had filthy, matted fur.
“The stench of urine and feces was so bad that you just couldn’t even breathe before the building was aired out,” Williams told the Tate Record. “It was horrible.”
According to Williams, the dogs were a variety of small breeds including Chihuahuas, Maltese, Yorkies, poodles and miniature Doberman pinschers.
The Tunica County Humane Society worked closely with Sunny Meadows Safe Haven for Pets in Memphis to care for the dogs before they were sent to other locations across the country and matched with foster families.
