[Nancy1999]

Thanks for the update.

Pet-Abuse.Com - Animal Abuse Case Details: Puppy mill - over 120 dogs - Tarpon Springs, FL (US)
In April, Chaboudy and the Suncoast Animal League had the Pinellas Sheriff's Office accompany them to Hughes' home in East Lake after receiving complaints about the deplorable living conditions of the dogs there.

The league took possession of 120 Pomeranians, Yorkshire terriers and Maltese and went to court to gain custody of them.

"On April 7, when we walked in the house, we made a commitment to the animals and that commitment grows stronger and stronger each day and we are going to fight for each and every one of them," Chaboudy said.

But in court last week, Parry pointed to the state law that says that those appointed to seize animals after complaints of neglect "must have the approval of the mayor of the city in which the society or association exists."

The law also says if the society or association works outside that city, the appointment must be approved by a judge and approved by the county commission.

On Jan. 29, County Judge Paul A. Levine signed a resolution to make Chaboudy a humane officer. But no such action was taken by a local mayor or the county.

All acknowledge that Chaboudy had the authority when he was with the Humane Society of Pinellas, where he worked for 20 years. But whether the authority continued once he started the Suncoast Animal League is murky.

Maybe we should be contacting the mayor.