A Carroll County business owner who was the target of a puppy mill sting by animal rights advocates was found guilty today of animal cruelty and neglect charges in a Hillsville courtroom.

Junior Horton won't serve any jail time and plans to appeal the convictions.

Horton, who operated Horton's Pups in Hillsville where more than 1,000 dogs were discovered in November by local authorities acting on a tip from the Virginia Partnership for Animal Welfare and Support, had been charged with 14 counts of animal cruelty, 25 counts of animal neglect and one count of failing to obtain a license tax for 125 unlicensed adult dogs.

Horton had kennel licenses for 500 dogs. Many of his stock were very young puppies that were not yet licensed.

The charges were brought after veterinarians examined dogs taken from Horton's Pups on Nov. 2. At that time, Horton agreed to surrender a large number of animals to authorities. More than 700 dogs were released in what the Humane Society of the United States called the largest dog rescue operation in the country. Most of the animals were taken to various shelters and private homes for care while awaiting adoption.

Veterinarians working with the animal welfare advocates filed reports to the office of Carroll County Commonwealth's Attorney Gregory Goad. The charges accused Horton of depriving dogs of necessary food, drink, shelter or emergency veterinary treatment, and of failing to adequately house, feed, water, exercise or care for animals in his possession.