Breeder banned from owning new animals after 7 dogs rescued

LAFAYETTE, Ind. (WISH/WLFI) – A dog breeder has had his ownership of seven dogs removed by an Indiana judge after the animals were rescued from deplorable conditions.

The Tippecanoe County judge fined dog breeder, Thurman “Randy” Sanders Jr., $10,000.

Sanders also had a kennel that was shut down last year after the county declared it a public health hazard.

Veterinarian Heather Baker told the judge the seven border colliers rescued in Feb. from the barn were emaciated, covered in feces, infested with parasites and had a host of maladies.

Sanders faces a temporary order preventing him from having any animals except his household dog.

The judge wants to hear more evidence before deciding whether to make the removal of ownership permanent. Until then, Sanders is barred from getting any new animals.

David Barnes, one of Sanders’ friends, defended him during Tuesday’s hearing and disputed that the dogs were in poor condition when they were rescued from the farm.