DECATUR - In the corner of one pen at the Macon County Animal Control and Care Center, at least half a dozen tiny puppies huddled fearfully in a pile, as far away from the door as possible.

Shelter manager Teresa Weybright pointed out the pups, saying it is likely they cower because they've never been touched by humans. They have instead lived their short lives in wire cages stacked three high, and barely large enough for a full-size canine to move or stand.

At least two dogs were found dead in the cages.

They are a small fraction of 55 dogs seized from an alleged puppy mill in rural Arthur early Friday morning after a weeklong investigation carried out by Weybright and other members of Macon and Douglas county animal control agencies and the Humane Society of the United States.

Weybright said during the raid, animal control personnel and Douglas County Sheriff's Office deputies took photographic evidence from the scene and then moved the dogs into vehicles without incident or interference from the dogs' owner.

The Douglas County Sheriff's Office reported that no charges have been filed and no individuals have been taken into custody in connection with the raid.

Macon County Chief Deputy Thomas Schneider said the investigation is pending in Douglas County.

"Based upon the information that has been provided, they're going to look at everything and make an assessment on any violations, which there appear to be, and I believe they will take the appropriate action," Schneider said.

Schneider said it is clear the dogs have suffered mistreatment.

"You can tell those dogs have not been treated like you and I would treat them," he said.

Among the dogs there are Chihuahuas with nails that look as if they've never once been clipped.

Schneider said the animals will be put up for adoption only after charges have been filed.

"Right now, it looks like we're working towards the adoption part of it, but it's at a standstill," Schneider said.

As the case plays out, animal control personnel are dealing with a group of dogs that is growing by the day. One female has already given birth to a litter, and others are "extremely pregnant," Weybright said.

Though the dogs were seized outside of the jurisdiction of Macon County, Douglas County animal control personnel called the Decatur center for help because they lack a facility capable of caring for so many animals at once.

Weybright said the canines have been inspected for fleas and medical problems, and staff are going pen by pen to determine what care, if any, is needed for each dog.

"We aren't vets here, obviously, and if we can't do it, we've got Northgate (Pet Clinic), and they will do whatever we need them to do," Weybright said.

klowe@herald-review.com|421-7985