Dogs Seized from Popular Dog Breeder

Courtney Francisco,

STATESVILLE, NC — A popular Statesville dog breeder is facing possible animal cruelty charges after Iredell County Animal Control seized more than 30 chihuahuas and pomeranians Wednesday.

Investigators say the dogs belonged to Lynda Peacock, owner of Waggin Tails off Taylorsville Hwy.

“She takes care of her dogs,” said Morgan Peacock. “I’ve watched her hand and foot up at 2:00 AM in the morning, feeding puppies that’s about to die that’s not going to make it.”

Peacock’s granddaughter, Morgan, says people from all around the South drive here to buy the small dogs.

Iredell County Animal Control took puppies and dogs as old as 10 Wednesday. Officers say they found the remains of a dog in a cage.

The search warrant lists a total of 37 dogs seized. Animal control said that number was 36 on Friday.

“There was no dead dog,” said Morgan Peacock. “They wouldn’t tell us where it was found. It could have been one that a coyote had dug up if there was one.”

Iredell County Animal Services Director Brad Gates tells WCCB Charlotte that officers have worked with Peacock for four years. After a couple of complaints in September, “We asked if some of the animals could have some vet care and change some other things to bring them up to both the county ordinance and the state law for what needed to be done as far as providing shelter and better vet care,” said Gates.

After checking up this week, officers took the dogs. A search warrant says they had no protections from the elements and were in unsanitary conditions.

“Two and three times a day, they go down there, they feed they water the dogs. They’re under shelter.

They have trees. They’re shaded,” said Morgan Peacock. “In the Summer time, there’s a building down there that they have air conditioning!”

Reporter Courtney Francisco asked for her to show us the air conditioned building. Her grandmother said no.

“My what’s going to happen at the animal shelter,” said Morgan Peacock. “People, they’re not going to buy them, and they’re going to be euthanized.”