Lake County police evacuated more than 40 dogs from two locations

The Lake County Sheriff’s Department evacuated more than 40 dogs Thursday from a Crown Point property suspected of being a puppy mill.

The department received an anonymous tip on May 24 about a person buying “an unusually large amount of dog food” and animal medicine, department spokeswoman Pam Jones said in a release.

After obtaining search warrants for the Crown Point property and a farm on the outskirts of Rensselaer, officers found dozens of dogs — among them a mountain dog, seven American pit bulls and 29 French pit bulls — in various conditions, Jones said.

At least four dogs found were dead, and a 41-year-old man is being questioned.

The investigation is ongoing, but Lake County Sheriff Oscar Martinez said in a release that the person of interest may have also performed illegal surgeries on some animals.

“As a person who loves pets, I am horrified by the treatment of these animals,” Martinez said in the release. “I’m pleased that our detectives have been so diligent in following up on this case.”

Lake County Animal Adoption & Control cares for the dogs while veterinary experts assess their condition. The shelter was closed Friday, but those interested in meeting adoptable pets will be by appointment only.

Michelle L. Quinn is a freelance reporter for the Post-Tribune.