Working at a local news station, I learned of a puppy mill operating in Perry County called the Wagon Wheel Ranch a few years ago. I tried to gather as much information about the operation and it's owner as possible in order to make a story. In fact, our station even did a sweeps piece on the place a few years ago, however nothing was ever done by local law enforcement. Residents and county officials were all well aware of the horrible tales of neglect and animal abuse going on at Wagon Wheel Ranch and chose to ignore the problem and I wasn't able to continue the story. I had many conversations with Perry County's sole humane agent about his struggle with the known puppy mill. Allegedly, Perry County Commissioners told him they had no desire to prosecute any claims he had or proof he'd received of the mill. Any attempts at getting onto the property to document the puppy mill claims were useless, but he did all that he could and larger, national human agencies were made aware in hopes of receiving their help.
Recently, the horrid conditions for animals at the Wagon Wheel Ranch were able to be brought back into the public eye--all due to residents who have decided to band together with the help of a lawyer in Columbus volunteering his time (and also happens to be an avid animal rescue activist).
Basically, over 50 people (and the number is climbing) are named in a class action lawsuit against the Wagon Wheel Ranch's owner, Donald L. Dutiel. Each claim is small monetarily, but very large morally. Customers of the Wagon Wheel Ranch claim they purchased pets from the ranch that died within 48 hours of taking the pet home and those animals fortunate enough to survive were riddled with diseases and health problems--costing new pet owners hundreds and even thousands of dollars for their new animals to receive veterinary care.
Here's an update to the story that NBC 4 aired recently.
Though the stories of these animals is a tragic one, I am elated that though local government officials chose to ignore a serious problem in Perry County, local residents and pet owners decided to take action for themselves. I realize a class action suit against the owner is far from criminal charges, but at least it is a starting point towards getting this horrid operation shut down.
Related Links:
A public online forum about the ranch: http://www.topix.com/forum/city/new-lexington-oh/TM8IUB5GVG43VVIHL
Craig's list posting on the class action suit trial dates:
One story of the Wagon Wheel Ranch, posted on www.thepetitionsite.com.
10:49 pm PST, Dec 18, Teresa Mooney, Ohio
I bought a puppy from Wagon Wheel ranch in New Lexington, Ohio. I beleive that it is in fact a puppymill. I thought it was a rescue. I ended up having to put my beloved puppy down 4 days after having him. That ended up costing more than what i paid for my dear Captain Jack. He was taken away from me by Parvo. His little body wasn't able to fight it off. Thanks
The Columbus Dispatch's article on the lawsuit:
