Dozens of animal cruelty charges filed against Chapel Hill dog breeders

Dozens of new charges were filed Thursday against an Orange County mother and son who were arrested three weeks ago after 57 dogs were seized from their Chapel Hill breeding operation.

Posted 9:08 p.m. Oct 31, 2019 — Updated 1:17 p.m. Jan 9, 2020

CHAPEL HILL, N.C. — Dozens of new charges were filed Thursday against an Orange County mother and son who were arrested three weeks ago after 57 dogs were seized from their Chapel Hill breeding operation.

Cynthia Riggan, 65, and Taylor Doar, 35, now each face 16 felony and 37 misdemeanor counts of animal cruelty.

Orange County Animal Services searched the breeding operation off Alexander Drive on Oct. 11 after receiving complaints about unsanitary conditions and malnourished dogs there. They seized dozens of English and French bulldogs, one of which has since died.

Vet describes conditions at Chapel Hill dog-breeding operation at center of animal cruelty case

The county wants to charge Riggan and Doar for the $37,100 Orange County Animal Services is projected to spend to board the dogs and provide veterinary care for them over 30 days.

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