| July 9, 2009 Puppy driver faces animal cruelty charges
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(NECN: Kenneth Craig) - A driver is facing charges after police say they found more than 50 puppies crammed inside his broken down truck. Officers made the discovery during a traffic stop in Webster, Massachusetts.
In Dudley District Court, 44-year-old John Clayton of Missouri answering to a charge of animal cruelty.
It follows his arrest early Thursday morning in front of this puppy shop in Webster.
Clayton is a driver for 'Puppy Ship' - a Missouri company that transports puppies from breeders to sellers.
Police say this truck was broken down with more than 50 puppies inside.
They allege the truck driver violated USDA regulations and that the puppies were sick, without water and air conditioning in a filthy truck.
Clayton was taken into custody - the puppies turned over to the MSPCA.
They say 10 needed emergency medical attention.
Meanwhile, Todd Davis, the Puppy Ship manager is standing behind his driver and company. He says Clayton’s been on the job over a year and delivers 40 to 80 puppies to the area once a week.
The driver's attorney said the USDA inspected the truck on Monday and approved the transport conditions.
MSPCA police wouldn't say whether or not they've had trouble with the three-year old puppy transport company before.
Prosecutors say Clayton; a former deputy sheriff- has no criminal record in Massachusetts but is on probation in Missouri.
Clayton posted 1,000 dollars
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