Suspects in alleged puppy mill case plead guilty; can never own animals again | News

BRUNSWICK COUNTY, NC (WECT) – The two suspects arrested in connection to an alleged puppy mill raid at the beginning of the month pleaded guilty to charges on Friday.

Amelia Millis and Andrew Millis pleaded guilty to 24 counts each of class 1 cruelty to animals.

The pair will be placed on three years of probation and are under an order for a lifetime ban on possession of animals for personal or commercial purposes, according to a press release from the office of District Attorney Jon David.

The Millises are also subject to frequent searches without a warrant, and they were ordered to pay $30,000 in restitution or surrender all animals in their possession. The couple surrendered all animals, including 158 dogs and 29 birds, to the Brunswick County Sheriff's Department.

The animals have since been placed in rescue and shelter groups across the state, including the Wake County SPCA, Brunswick County RACE Foundation, and Guilford County Animal Shelter.

Assistant District Attorney Gina Essey served as the case's prosecutor.

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