20 Dogs Killed After Fire Breaks Out At Puppy Mill In Union County

INDIAN TRAIL, NC — Hemby Bridge Fire Department is investigating after a puppy mill burned down Wednesday killing 20 dogs.

The wife of the homeowner was taken to the hospital and treated for smoke inhalation after she tried to rescue dogs from the fire on Secrest Short Cut Road Wednesday morning, according to reports. Of the 20 dogs killed, 14 were adults and six were puppies. Another 25-30 dogs were inside the building at the time of the fire, but officials say they all survived.

Deputies say the owner had been working to try and reduce the population of the dogs, and there had been no incident reports filed at the location. There had only been complaints of a lot dogs running around.

Officials say the remaining dogs will now go to shelter and housing.

The cause of the fire is still unknown.