By JESSA LEWIS
6 News Reporter
KNOXVILLE (WATE) - An East Knox County puppy mill owner pleaded guilty to animal cruelty charges after sheriff's officers received a tip that led to the discovery of the animals.
Officers searched the home of Jimmy Wayne Hopper, 57, at 2809 Silver Creek Road in East Knox County, on January 20.
They found more than 20 dogs and cats being held in deplorable conditions in a garage.
Rugs were stuffed at the bottoms of the doors leading to the garage, preventing any fresh air from entering. Officers could smell the stench of ammonia from large amounts of urine from the driveway.
Conditions were so bad that 23 animals including: 18 Chihuahuas, four Shih Tzus and one cat, were removed from the residence and taken to Young-Williams Animal Center.
Several dogs, cats, and puppies in the home were being maintained in acceptable conditions inside the home. The sheriff's office says they were allowed to remain with Hopper.
Hopper entered a plea agreement and received a sentence of 11 months and 29 days. He surrendered all 23 animals and agreed to pay $2,000 in restitution to Young-Williams Animal Center.
The sheriff's office says Hopper isn't allowed to breed any animals or bring any new animals onto his property during the time of his sentence.
Hopper had to provide a list of animals currently residing in the home and must maintain proper veterinarian records on them.
He's also subject to random checks by the animal control unit.
Young-Williams says all but about eight of the animals have been placed with rescue groups, who will provide needed medical care to the animals before adopting them out to families. Some of the animals will need to have teeth removed; others will require surgery or tumor removal.
Jimmy Wayne Hopper (source: Knox County Sheriff's Office)
More than 20 dogs and cats were being held in a garage.
Officers could smell the stench of ammonia from large amounts of urine from the driveway.
Twenty-three animals were removed from the residence.
