Court Orders Detention for Kielce Puppy Mill Owner Holding Hundreds of Dogs in Deadly Conditions

A Kielce court has ordered a two-month detention for a 35-year-old puppy mill owner facing up to five years in prison for extreme animal cruelty after authorities discovered over 300 dogs.

Court Decision and Ongoing Rescue Operations

The District Court in Kielce has decided to apply a two-month detention to the 35-year-old owner of an illegal breeding facility where over 300 dogs were found. The man faces up to five years in prison for particularly cruel animal abuse. Meanwhile, a race against time to save the sick animals is underway at the Kielce shelter and in clinics, with authorities appealing for urgent help.

Parallel to the legal proceedings, a massive operation to secure and treat the animals is underway. According to the latest information provided by Kielce Mayor Agata Wojda, a significant portion of the dogs has already been seized from the 35-year-old.

Approximately 180 dogs have already been removed from the illegal breeding facility and placed under the care of the Kielce Homeless Animal Shelter and the Judyta Foundation, the city mayor reported on social media.

Health Status of Animals and Severe Conditions

The health situation of many dogs is severe. Every animal is currently undergoing detailed veterinary examinations, and those in the worst condition have been placed in specialized clinics. Special attention is required by numerous females with puppies that were pulled from dramatic conditions.

The application of detention is a continuation of actions launched on Thursday, when Kielce services discovered the scale of the operation referred to by veterinary inspectors as an “illegal puppy factory.” The man played a double game: he had one “show” location, while keeping the majority of animals two streets away in an old, abandoned, and unventilated henhouse.

Inside the buildings, extreme temperatures reached up to 38 degrees Celsius, which was torture leading to respiratory failure for brachycephalic dogs such as French bulldogs. Although the man registered a breeding facility in June for only 21 adult individuals, over 300 animals and puppy carcasses were actually found on site. He now faces up to five years in prison for animal abuse with special cruelty.

Logistical Challenges and Appeal for Support

For the Kielce shelter, caring for such a huge number of sick animals is a giant logistical and financial challenge. The city announced the provision of additional cages and pens to the facility, but immediate needs are huge.

The Mayor of Kielce asked people of good will for support. A detailed list of needs can be found on the profile of the Kielce Homeless Animal Shelter. The police are still securing documentation and medicines found on the properties, continuing to gather evidence in this shocking case.