Authorities Raid Suspected “Puppy Mill”

SMITH COUNTY � Smith County officials along with the SPCA of Texas served a warrant at 13513 Ronald Circle near Hwy 31 West in Smith County early yesterday morning searching for a suspected �puppy mill.� Officials reportedly found more than 70 dogs at the location. The dogs were said to be medically neglected and used in a large-scale breeding operation, and were all housed in a 1,400 square foot home on the property. The animals will be taken to the Perry Animal Care Center in McKinney where they�ll be examined by medical staff and cared for until a custody hearing. Officials said a woman, Torri Silvas, and her husband, Refugio Silvas, were being questioned at the scene. No word yet on possible charges.

The raid is the result of a lengthy investigation into the location. Authorities had received several complaints about the house from the public. People had reported purchasing puppies for $300 to $400 each. Some of the puppies would die only days later. Some of the dogs seized from the location are blind, others have matted fur and disease. There are two very small litters at the location.