122 dogs found living in ‘unfit conditions’ at closed Paducah veterinary clinic

PADUCAH, Ky. (FOX 56) — Over 100 dogs were seized after being found living in “unfit conditions” in early May at an old veterinary clinic in Paducah.

The McCracken County Sheriff’s Office said deputies learned on May 2 that at least 100 dogs were living in what was described as “less than ideal conditions.” Deputies arrived at the closed Reidland Veterinary Clinic, and after searching the building, they found over 100 dogs.

According to an arrest citation, 81 dogs were in one building without ventilation, electricity, or heating and air conditioning. A deputy noted that most of the animals were on carpet, standing in feces and urine, and there was a strong smell of ammonia inside.

Authorities said 41 additional dogs were found in another building, with 29 living “outside in kennel runs with inadequate ability to shelter from the outdoor elements.” Inside the building, 12 dogs were found, six of which were newborn puppies.

While investigators continued searching the old veterinary clinic, one of the dog houses reportedly collapsed from rot while dogs were still inside, according to the arrest documents.

Deputies said in the citation that there were over 122 dogs, and all were seized except the 12 inside the building.

The sheriff’s office said 66-year-old Suzanne Alt of Woodlawn, Illinois, was renting the building and had reportedly brought the dogs to Kentucky after being investigated by the Department of Agriculture. The investigation began due to her alleged breeding procedures and Illinois law violations.

Court records show Alt was cited to court for 111 counts of inhumane treatment of animals and is due to be arraigned in court at 9 a.m. Thursday.