Accused Puppy mill hearing this morning

Seffner, Florida - Hillsborough County Animal Services has taken down two suspected puppy mill operations, seizing 63 dogs.

While the suspected mills were in different locations, authorities say they were run by the same family.

Hillsborough County Animal Services received an anonymous tip on Monday from someone hoping to buy a Yorkie puppy from a home in Seffner. Investigators say the tipster became suspicious when the owner, James Jordan, refused to let them see inside the home.

Photo Gallery: Puppy mills busted

There was reason for the refusal.

Animal Services officers had to wear gloves and masks before going inside the homes in Seffner and Tampa, Thursday morning.

The Yorkie dogs and puppies were described to be living in deplorable conditions, with feces all over the floor and cockroaches crawling in their food.

Some dogs even suffered from urine burns, according to the veterinarians who examined them.

Twenty-eight dogs were seized from the Tampa home where an elderly woman lived, and 35 dogs were taken from her son's home in Seffner.

"This is a typical treat the animals like crap, make as much money as you can," said Dennis McCullough, Animal Services Operation Manager.

McCullough says the mother-son duo were charging $950 for female Yorkies and $500 for the males.

McCullough tells 10 Connects the woman, 82-year-old Dovie Carter, has been breeding dogs for a long time. A man who knows Carter said he doesn't believe the allegations against her.

"Every evening they were taken care of real well," he said.

A woman who bought two dogs from Carter told 10 Connects she was shocked about the allegations. She says Carter "absolutely loved each and every one of her dogs and was very careful about who she sold the dogs to."

An emergency hearing is scheduled for this morning. They are trying to gain custody of the dogs because the owners have refused to surrender the animals.

The two were not arrested on scene because the investigation is on-going. McCullough says they are facing charges of improper confinement of animals, criminal charges are possible.

If Animal Services is successful in gaining custody of the dogs, the agency say you can expect a Yorkie Adopt-A-Thon once they're ready to go home. They are asking you not call to inquire about the dogs.

Hillsborough County residents will get first dibs.