Arrest made, up to 100 dogs seized from Chester County home

Chester County deputies have arrested a man they say was running a puppy mill out of his home, from which authorities seized up to 100 dogs Friday.

Jordan James Johnson, 47, was placed in the Chester County Detention Center on an unrelated bench warrant, according to Chief Deputy Robert Sprouse of the Chester County Sheriff’s Office. Charges for the puppy mill he was reportedly running are expected in the coming days.

Chester County Animal Control officers seized dozens of Dobermans from Johnson’s home Friday, Sprouse said. The dogs, which ranged from puppies to full-grown, had been living in “deplorable” conditions.

Investigators were still trying to get an accurate count, but Sprouse said the number of dogs seized was well over 50 and could be as high as 100.

“None of them are in good health,” Sprouse said, adding that the dogs were living in their own feces in pens and cages. Many suffered from malnourishment, dehydration or injuries that had not been treated.

Some of the dogs had little or no water, Sprouse said, and for those that had food, the food was old and mushy from rain water.

None of the dogs have had their rabies vaccinations, Sprouse said. However, as of Friday night, it didn’t appear that any of the animals would have to be euthanized.

Authorities became aware of the situation at Johnson’s home after some of the dogs apparently escaped and ran to a neighbor’s home, Sprouse said. The neighbor talked to Johnson and contacted law enforcement after seeing how deplorable the conditions were.

Sprouse said Chester County Animal Control needs help housing the dogs temporarily and is in search of foster homes. Anyone who can open their home to a dog is asked to call the animal shelter at 803-385-6341.

“Pretty much, our animal shelter is going to be open 24-7 all weekend,” Sprouse said.

This story was originally published September 23, 2016 at 8:11 PM with the headline "Arrest made, up to 100 dogs seized from Chester County home."