More than 150 dogs seized from alleged puppy mill in Stokes County

DANBURY, N.C. — More than 150 dogs were taken from a Stokes County property Tuesday after a raid of an alleged puppy mill.

The raid started around 2 p.m. at Dan River Bullies on Bob Mabe Road in Danbury.

Media was not allowed on the private property, but aerial photos revealed several small, farm-like structures.

Officials with the Humane Society of the United States said the dogs lived on top of each other, had food thrown on the floor next to their feces, were never groomed and had never been vaccinated.

Humane Society officials said it was some the worst living conditions they have seen in some time.

“I’m very ashamed that this happened in my county, and I’m appalled at how the dogs were being kept,” said Phil Handy, Stokes County Animal Control officer.

Marsha Williams, director of the Guilford County Animal Shelter, which took in 130 of the animals, said the animals have multiple problems, including eye, skin, and teeth infections.

“There are a number of issues on the surface. Once we do a physical exam, we know we’re going to find more problems with these animals,” Williams said.

The rest of the animals were taken to Wake County and Charlotte.

Veterinarians said they hope to save all the animals, though several dogs are old and have spent most of their life constantly breeding.

The property is owned by Lucile Mabe, who could face multiple animal cruelty charges.

The site Danriverbullies.com was taken down late Tuesday but listed several breeds for sale for hundreds and thousands of dollars. Breeds included bulldogs, English Bull pups, French Bull pups and Shih Tzu pups.

Williams said puppy mills will continue in North Carolina until state lawmakers toughen their laws.

“There’s no law against having a puppy mill or having hundreds of animals on your property. We need to change that and make it stricter, where they’re getting inspected and they’re required to have medical attention for their animals,” Williams said.

Humane Society officials said they received tips about the alleged mill several weeks ago.

More than 150 dogs are being taken from an alleged puppy mill after it was raided Tuesday in Stokes County.

‘Dan River Bullies,’ which is located at 1560 Bob Mabe Road in Danbury, is owned by Lucile Mabe. Mabe could be charged, but authorities have not commented on what or how many charges she could face.

Media was not allowed on the private property, although aerial photos revealed several small, farm-like structures. Authorities said the structures housed more than 150 dogs that were seized during the raid, which began around 2 p.m.

Animals on the property were reportedly living in deplorable conditions — the majority of them suffering from some type of ear, nose or dental infection, officials with the U.S. Humane Society said. One official described the scene as “heartbreaking” and said it may be the worst they’ve seen in North Carolina.

“I’m very ashamed that this happened in my county and I’m appalled at where the dogs were being kept,” Animal Control Officer Phil Handy said.

Officials said the dogs lived on top of each other and food was thrown on the floor next to their feces.

Danriverbullies.com lists several breeds as being available for sale including bulldogs, English Bull pups, French Bull pups, and Shih Tzu pups.

Both the N.C. and U.S. Humane Societies are helping to care for the animals, which are being transported to animal shelters in Guilford County, Wake County and Charlotte.

The Humane Society received tips about the purported mill several weeks ago, officials said.