29 Eyewitness News has learned an arrest has been made in a suspected puppy mill discovered outside of Taft. A Maricopa woman was arrested in connection with this case

Nineteen puppies were found in an abandoned trailer and a garage in the community of Derby Acres last month. Some of the puppies were very small and conditions were very hot when animal rescuers reported the situation to Kern County Sheriff deputies.

29 Eyewitness News checked with Sgt. Martin Downs and he says 45-year-old Martina Lopez has been charged with one count of animal cruelty. Sgt. Downs says Lopez told him she was feeding the dogs, but, he says the puppies were not being adequately cared for.

The case goes to court later this month. As for the puppies, they are in the care of Animal Control until the case is resolved.