Tenn. Volunteers Get Pick of Litter From Kennel Truck

Outraged dog lovers who helped care for 146 purebred puppies rescued from a broken-down kennel truck will get first pick when the pups are put up for adoption, city officials said Wednesday.

Mechanics working on the truck May 9 heard whimpering and found the puppies enclosed without air-conditioning. Three dogs died of heat stroke and a fourth of canine virus. Authorities had charged the 19-year-old driver with cruelty to animals and inhumane transport.

A settlement, however, “includes the dismissal of criminal charges against the driver, as well as a temporary restraining order preventing the owner from claiming the puppies,” said Brent Hager of Nashville’s Health Department.

An army of volunteers who helped feed the surviving dogs and clean their cages will be given the choice to adopt the pets, valued at a total of $25,000, paying $75 per dog.

“They can take their pick of poodles, bassets, schipperkes, schnauzers, collies, golden retrievers, bloodhounds--you name it,” said Animal Control Director Judy Ladebauche. “This means these puppies can go to good homes and have a chance to live a life they deserve.”

The kennel operator, Jim Hughes, has said he is merely a “dog farmer” and did not mistreat the animals. He claimed the truck’s air-conditioning was turned off while repairs were being made.