In Dillsburg, Pennsylvania, a tiny Boston terrier puppy named Libre left for dead at a Lancaster puppy mill, slowly recovers and continues to garner supporters and fans across the country as the staff at Dillsburg Veterinary Center regularly posts adorable updates of the puppy’s progress. 
On Sunday, more than a 100 advocates came out to protest SPCA director Susan Martin’s decision contending it could not be proven beyond a reasonable doubt that the breeder neglected care or intentionally set out to harm the pup born on the farm, reported Local21News. In addition, angry advocates have asked for Martin to resign.
Michelle Hall, of the Dillsburg Veterinary Center, agreed that Libre still has a long road to recovery, but is doing amazingly well. This past weekend, the puppy was able to go outdoors for the first time and was very curious and delighted with his new experiences.
“We’re all supposed to be on the same side. Rescuers, technicians. All of us are supposed to be here for the animals and it seems like Susan Martin is not,” stated Michelle.
Rescued on July 4th by Speranza Animal Rescue, a good Samaritan brought the pup to an emergency veterinarian where the rescue organization’s founder, Janine Guido rushed to help. The puppy was in and out of consciousness, barely breathing, and according to the vet was one of the worst cases of neglect and abuse she had ever seen.
“She assumed I wanted to let him go. To have him euthanized, and when I said do whatever you need to do for him to have a chance, she had a surprised tone in her voice. And she said ok,” stated Janine.
According to AbcNews, at the time the dog was sold, he had been properly vaccinated and was deemed healthy. Two weeks later, the new owners returned the puppy with a severe case of demodectic mange. The breeder stated he immediately consulted with a veterinarian, but the pup had not been responding to care. One day before Libre had been surrendered to the rescue group, the breeder stated the dog had taken a turn for the worse.
Martin did not speak to the protesters on Sunday, however did tell Local21News
“There’s a lot of hatred and that’s truly not going to create any change in the laws or as far as animal welfare issues.”
Martin stands by her original decision not to press charges because the abuse could not be proven beyond a reasonable doubt. She also has no intentions of resigning. An update, however on the Speranza Animal Rescue Facebook page on Tuesday states:
“THE Humane Society of The US is currently conducting their own investigation on Libre’s case. Yay!
Dr Pryor, myself, and others involved are more than willing to testify to help bring Justice to Libre.
Thank you all for the continued support!”
Donations to Libre’s medical account can be made by calling the Dillsburg Veterinary Center’s office at 717-432-7031.
(Photos from Dillsburg Vet Center)
Something is very wrong here all down the line begining with the puppy mill owner. A healthy pup does NOT end up like that and surely the person who purchased this pup must have been aware that the pup was unwell long before Libre was returned to the puppy mill owner. And the vet who was consulted didn’t seem too keen to do much, if anything, for this poor soul.
In my book, that makes everyone guilty (and an accessory) to animal neglect and abuse.
Well ! ONE THING FOR DARN SURE!!! this little pup didn’t get in that horrific condition in a the amount of time his new owners had him!!! I would consider a lack of honesty on the “PUPPY MILL” owner… I can’t say too much in a positive statement about Susan Martin ( except she’s vested in her own paycheck)! Thankfully Janine Gudio and Speranza Rescue were there !!!!
I have been following this story for a while now, and shocked at how beautiful pup looked after the puppy mill.I believe that the ones responsible for Libre abuse is rhe owners and the one at the shelter for not telling the truth.no puppy looks that abused just by caring for it. This is definitely a case of animal cruelty. And someone is responsible for Libre abuse.
Charges need pressed. I do not trust the spa at all and peta
I would be curious to know if Ms. Martin’s job performance was up to standards before the Libre issue. I know the public is furious, rightfully so, but if she has been EARNING her paycheck up to now, she may have a real point in not pursuing charges. Hot heads are not always clear heads. The puppy mill definitely needs to be investigated.