from a property in northern Davidson County after an animal cruelty investigation, officials said.

The seizure followed an inquiry led by the puppy mills that culminated in the animals being taken to safety and placed under the care of local rescuers. The owners, Roger McClean and Robin McClean, were charged with 40 counts of animal cruelty and, at a court appearance Friday, were each sentenced to two years of probation.

Common signs of animal cruelty, as noted by advocacy groups, include poor body condition such as visible ribs, emaciation, and untreated illnesses. It’s crucial for pet owners to be vigilant about these signs to ensure the welfare of their animals.

Teams from the Animal CARE Foundation in Winston-Salem helped move animals from the property. Beth Blevins, president of the Animal CARE Foundation, described the condition of many dogs and credited partner organizations and foster homes for the operation’s scale and speed. “These poor dogs have been through hell! Some scars will never heal. If not for our amazing fosters and rescue partners, we could never have gotten 177 dogs to safety,” Blevins said.

Puppy mills and large-scale commercial breeding operations can contribute to an oversupply of dogs, making it harder for shelter animals to find homes, according to animal welfare advocates.

Officials said some of the animals need extensive veterinary care and rehabilitation; staff and volunteers have been triaging animals, providing medical attention and arranging foster placements. The Animal CARE Foundation is seeking community donations to support ongoing treatment and sheltering needs.

According to national surveys by major animal welfare organizations, a significant share of dogs in U.S. homes are adopted from shelters or rescues, while many others are obtained from breeders, highlighting the need for responsible pet acquisition.

The Davidson County Sheriff’s Office led the investigation that resulted in the removal of the animals over several months leading up to the June 27, 2025 court date, according to local reports. Rescuers described the operation as large and logistically complex, with staff working to document conditions and transport animals to secure facilities.

Roger and Robin McClean face the 40-count animal-cruelty charges related to the conditions on their property. At the Friday hearing they were each given two years of probation.

Animal-care groups involved in the response have said the scale of the seizure places long-term demands on rescue networks and veterinary partners. The Animal CARE Foundation in Winston-Salem is coordinating immediate care while organizing foster placements and continued medical treatment.

The Davidson County Sheriff’s Office conducted the investigation and the Animal CARE Foundation continues to care for the animals and solicit donations to cover the costs of rehabilitation and rehoming. Local reporting by WFMY News 2 provided details on the seizure and the rescue groups’ response.

Where things stand now: the dogs remain under the care of rescuers, and Roger and Robin McLean were each sentenced to two years of probation in connection with the case. The Animal CARE Foundation has appealed to the public for donations to support veterinary care and fostering as the animals recover and prepare for adoption.

Source

Original reporting: view the original article.