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Truck driver delivering puppies accused of animal cruelty

E-mail|Link|Comments () July 9, 2009 03:47 PM

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(Photo courtesy of Animal Rescue League of Boston)
Animal Rescue League agents Hilary Graham (left) and Jill Henessey with puppies picked up in Webster.

By Michaela Stanelun, Globe Correspondent

A Missouri truck driver is facing a charge of animal cruelty in Webster after his truck was discovered carrying puppies in deplorable conditions.

Webster police say 44-year-old John Clayton of Bolivar, Mo., had 51 puppies in the back of his box truck in small cages and was delivering the puppies to local pet stores.

Webster Police Chief Timothy Bent said officials got a tip around 2:45 Wednesday afternoon about the puppies. “The caller said she saw puppies being delivered to a store in a box van, and heard puppies barking in the van,” Bent said.

Police officers searched the truck and found "puppies in distress,'' he said.

Clayton was placed under arrest with a $10,000 bail and will be arraigned in Dudley District Court.

The 27 puppies that were not previously given to other pet stores by Clayton are currently being cared for by the Animal Rescue League of Boston in an undisclosed facility.

Jennifer Wooliscroft, director of communications for the Rescue League, said the puppies were weak and dehydrated, and the condition of the vehicle that was transporting them was “substandard.”

“There was improper sanitation in the truck and a strong smell,” Wooliscroft said.