[dogbert]

I was just reading this article about her on the "Animal Ark" website.

Puppy Mill Busted in Minnesota, Owner Charged with Animal Torture
Kathy Bauck, owner of "Pick of the Litter", supplier to Pet Land, in trouble, again . . . 9 counts, and its not the first time.

52-year-old Kathy Bauck, owner of the notorious "Pick of the Litter" puppy mill, that supplies puppies to pet stores, including Pet Land, has been charged with nine counts of felony animal cruelty, torture, and practicing veterinary medicine without a license. Bauck has been charged before, but continues operating due to many failures in the animal welfare community and the legal system.

Bauck operates what is widely regarded as the largest puppy mill in Minnesota, and one of the largest puppy mills in the nation. Reports put the number of breeding animals at her facilitiy between 900 and 1,300 breeding adults plus puppies. That could equal up to 2,000 animals on her property at any time. Many people in the animal welfare community believe the sheer volume of abuse at this puppy mill has prevented authorities from stopping it.

Bauck resides in rural Otter Tail county that has few resourses available for law enforcement. The costs of seizing, impounding and caring for up to 2,000 animals in a full-scale animal cruelty case could cost the county millions of dollars, which they do not have. So, the abuse goes on year after year.

Animal Ark will be contacting Otter Tail county and offering a pro-bono solution to this problem. Check back for more information as it is available.

Bauck is currently on probation for convictions on similar charges. It is unknown how the current charges will affect Bauck's probation.