Puppy Mill suspects could own pets again

The Eden couple charged with running the massive puppy mill could own animals again according to law.

A law expert tells 47 ABC that there is no law that would allow a judge to forbid Robert and Susan Murphy from ever owning animals again if they are found guilty.

At most, a district court judge could order that the Muphy’s not be allowed to own animals for up to three years as part of their probation.

The Murphy’s were arrested once prior to this for similar charges, but those charges were dropped.

In general terms, when it comes to a history of animal cruelty local psychologist Dr. Kathy Seifert said it could be traced to a difficult life early on.

“When people were treated either very poorly as children, they were mistreated or neglected as children they begin to think that is the normal way that caregivers take care of children or animals or some person or animal that is in their care,” Seifert said.

Seifert adds that it is difficult for people with that type of background to develop a sense of empathy.

However with extensive therapy empathy can be learned.