Florida cops shut down alleged puppy mill

LAKELAND, Fla., Nov. 24 (UPI) -- Authorities say they raided an alleged puppy mill in Florida, removing more than 100 dogs from conditions described as deplorable.

Polk County sheriff's deputies said 117 canines, including pugs and Yorkshire terriers, were confiscated at the site in Lakeland, along with five cats and a parrot.

Sheriff's spokesman Scott Wilder told the Orlando Sentinel the county would seek permanent custody of the animals, which were being held at an animal shelter.

"The living conditions on the property were extremely poor, for both

animals and humans," Wilder said.

The owner of the operation, 57-year-old Carolyn Bragg, was charged with 123 counts of animal neglect. Authorities were tipped off by a customer when Bragg allegedly refused to provide a health certificate for a puppy she had sold.