Two stray dogs suffering: Puppy mills and loathsome backyard breeders

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On Sunday evening, two stray dogs were spotted running through the streets of Jonesboro, Arkansas. ARC Angels 4 Animals volunteer,  Angie Heringer had been driving in the area when she received the call and saw the photos of the two extremely neglected little dogs. Were they just lost or had these two Shih Tzus been the innocent victims of a heartless backyard breeder or a local puppy mill?

“And it’s worse than I imagined,” Angie wrote on her Facebook page while posting short videos of the two extremely friendly but horribly matted and filthy pups. “And getting them home, still worse. Thought at first, naw, won’t post for a few days. No owner deserves these babies, because this is not an ‘overnight matted up doggie situation.'”

Video #1:

No one knows who owns these two dogs, but the question remains, who would allow the dogs to get in this kind of condition? These dogs have been suffering for an extended period of time; one of the dogs has a fishhook stuck in her back and the other one a fishhook in her paw.

“I’m so mad that we let breeders and puppy mill doggie killers do this,” Angie continued. “And so sad that these babies suffer every single day. And many, many suffer and die. Unseen, unheard, unwanted and unloved.”

Video #2

“Come on Jonesboro. Wake up. Stand up. Step up. And Speak up. And owners, don’t you dare try to claim these two. Well wait, ok, maybe you should?  Then we can SLAP YOU WITH ANIMAL CRUELTY, damn it.”

Both dogs are scheduled to be examined by a veterinarian and are scheduled to be bathed, shaved and groomed. To help donations can be made to:
Rescue Rocks
ARC Angels 4 Animals
P.O. box 19055 Jonesboro AR 72403
Spayneuteradoptrescue@gmail.com (PayPal)

(Photos and videos of two stray dogs courtesy of Angie Heringer)

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Animal lovers outraged over hunter’s photos of slaughtered wolves – read more here.

 

 

 

 

 

Meadow: Lifetime of breeding and then tossed out onto street

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In San Antonio, Texas, the shell of a beautiful Old English bulldog was found languishing in a ditch. It would seem Meadow’s entire life must have been spent giving birth to litter after litter, and when she could no longer be bred, she was tossed out as if she was yesterday’s trash.

Rescue Dogs Rock NYC rescued the eight-year-old, filthy and undernourished dog on Thursday. She is friendly with people and dogs. According to the veterinarian staff, she is very sweet, however she requires medical care and treatment from a lifetime of neglect. Dubbed Meadow, this sweet girl weighs 50 pounds, is heartworm positive and has dry eye.

Share Meadow’s story. Backyard breeders – a term used to describe dog breeders with little experience or knowledge are often amateur animal breeders and their dogs are only kept for the sole purpose of continuously turning out puppies. Puppy mills are commercial breeding facilities that mass produce dogs (and cats) and sells their “products” via the Internet of to pet stores. Kittens and puppies are often taken from their mothers at an early age and may suffer both physical and emotional problems.

Will you help Meadow start her new life? Please donate & help!
Donate@rescuedogsrocknyc.org

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Recently in the news: Woman arrested for allegedly baking her dog in an oven

 

Texas SPCA seizes 140 dogs and puppies from suspected puppy mill

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On Saturday, the Texas SPCA removed 138 dogs including 21 puppies and two cats from a suspected puppy mill in Fannin County. According to the organization’s press release, the dogs were removed on Friday after they were discovered living in filthy conditions.

“More than 30 dogs were housed inside the residence on the property. Most of the animals were housed in a structure behind the residence, and were all found living in filthy cages, crates and kennels, up to three dogs in each. This structure was infested with roaches, which were found crawling all over the dogs and cats housed there. In one area, the dogs were being housed in feces- and urine-filled wire crates stacked on top of each other. In another area, a makeshift run of feces- and urine-filled pens held the majority of the dogs. The entire structure was coated in feces and drenched in urine, and the stench of feces and urine was so strong that it caused investigators to gag and could be smelled from well outside the structure.”

An investigation had been launched after the Fannin County Sheriff’s Office received a complaint concerning dogs living in horrible conditions from representatives from Child Protective Services that had been on the property on a separate complaint. The SPCA, along with the Fannin County Sheriff’s Office and the Honey Grove Police Department participated in the raid and removed all of the animals.

Maura Davies from the Texas  SPCA stated the owners were running a puppy mill and mistreating the dogs. Cockroaches were found crawling all over the areas as well as over the animals as they were being removed from the premises.

“The animals appear to be suffering from various health issues, including matted fur, fur loss, fleas, dental issues, long nails, ear issues, tumors and more…”

Many of the dogs have health problems and have been transferred to the Russell E. Dealey Animal Rescue Center for treatment and care until a scheduled custody hearing on January 15.

Texas law requires all large-scale breeders to be licensed and inspected on a regular basis. It is unclear if the owner is properly licensed according to the Large Scale Commercial Dog and Cat Breeder Bill which took effect on September 1, 2012. The legislation provides guidelines for the treatment of animals in large-scale breeding facilities which is defined as anyone who keeps 11 or more breeding females or sells 20 or more puppies or kittens a year. The law specifies specific conditions including feeding, space, shelter, ventilation and medical care.

(Photos via  Texas SPCA Facebook)

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A broken heart: Dog refuses to leave grave where her owner is buried

 

27 dogs found abandoned in vacant lot

Dog and her 3 puppies die in horrific fire

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In Cantonment, Florida, a dog and three puppies died in a horrific fire behind a home. According to a neighbor who posted the disturbing video on social media, the fire broke out at a home on the 600 block of County Road 97 burning the dogs kept in a flimsy wooden structure.

The fire was started by an electric space heater that was being used to keep the animals warm. Laura Gunn Catterton described the heartbreaking scene on her Facebook page:

“1/01/18 6 PM – Worse thing ever!!! Dog burned to death right behind our yard. omg! HORRIFIC Puppies burned to death too. Fire Dept here. I heard the dog screaming. I climbed over fence but couldn’t save them. Mama dog in outside cage on stilts. OMG! Waiting for Animal Control.”

And she waited:

“UPDATE 7 PM – I talked to ACO on call. He wouldn’t even go in the backyard to document the dead dog/puppies. They’re calling it an accident. Apparently, an electric heater chord (sic) caught on fire that was inside the rickety cage on stilts, igniting something. NO CHARGES AGAINST OWNER. Never leave heaters unattended. The owner doesn’t even live there but comes over to feed his dogs. He has 3 litters of puppies in the 4 chain link kennels next to the burned out cage on stilts. He’s a BACKYARD BREEDER. Those pups have barrels for shelter but my GOD, it’s going to be so cold tonight. I told ACO the pups have no food, SEIZE THE DOGS TONIGHT. Nope, can’t do that. No laws broken. OMG- I’m furious.”

Laura has been filing affidavits on this neighbor for 13 years and contends the neglect continues.

“The ACO on call told me to go into AC tomorrow to file an affidavit, but I know it will go no where. I’ve been filing affidavits on this neighbor for 13 years and the neglect continues. All his dogs used to be on chains 24/7 but he *loves his dogs*I took lots of pics and got video of the cage burning (you can’t see the dog in the video.”

According to Animal Control, puppies living outside in 20 degree temperatures did not constitute animal neglect.

“This has been one of the worst nights of my life and the owner will not be held accountable for the agony and suffering mama dog and pups endured. Pray for the remaining 3 litters outside in the kennels tonight – wind chills about 10 degrees.”

On Tuesday morning, citations were issued to the dogs’ owner by Animal Control. The man was ordered to bring the surviving dogs indoors and has a mandatory court appearance. The surviving puppies were not removed from the home.

Rest in peace sweet dogs. We are so sorry you have suffered.

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(Photo of dogs died in horrific fire via Laura Catterton)

Firefighter crawls to rescue dog who fell through the ice

Dozens of domesticated rats were left to die in the cold

 

More than 160 Pomeranian dogs rescued from truck in Nevada

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In Las Vegas, authorities discovered more than 160 Pomeranian dogs abandoned in a U-Haul truck on Wednesday evening. Investigators believe the 164 dogs were abandoned in the 3000 block of Tonto Street in Sandy Valley by a California “backyard” breeder.

According to the Las Vegas Review Journal, the Clark County Animal Control transported all of the dogs to the Animal Foundation Las Vegas where they will be held for the required 72-hour hold period pending the arrival of the owner. All of the dogs will be medically evaluated and groomed and are expected to be made available for adoption in the next several weeks. The dogs appear to be in generally good health although they were dirty. They range in ages from three months to 12-years.

The dogs had no food, water or ventilation when they were found left in crates – three to five dogs in each crate. The driver of the vehicle was a woman from San Bernardino, California and has been described as a “backyard breeder” although her identity has not been made public. Supposedly the woman loaded all of the dogs into a truck and left California after hearing her property was to be inspected.

 

As of Thursday, no arrests or charges have been filed, however the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police are continuing their investigation in conjunction with Clark County Animal Control and San Bernardino authorities.

(Photos of 160 Pomeranian dogs via screenshots by Fox News)

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Check out the video:

Meghan Markle’s difficult decision to leave her adopted dog behind as she moves to UK to wed Prince Harry

California is first state to ban sale of puppy mill animals

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In what will become a significant blow to commercial pet breeders, generally referred to as the puppy mill industry, California pet stores will be required to get their puppies, kittens and rabbits from rescue organizations and shelters. Beginning in January 2019, only individuals will be able to purchase pets from private breeders. For pet stores, violators could face fines of $500 per offense.

On Friday, Governor Jerry Brown signed the law covering the entire state; 36 cities including Los Angeles and San Francisco, already have similar bans against large commercial breeding operations. The bill, A.B.485 has had strong support from animal welfare organizations and was written by Patrick O’Donnell and Matt Dababneh, two Democratic California Assembly members.

Arguments for the ban included how pet stores rarely know nor do they reveal the circumstances relative to the breeding of the dogs, cats and rabbits brought into their stores for retail sale. Puppy and kitten mills have long lists of inhumane conditions as to overcrowding, lack of care, lack of socialization and the very basics of humane care.

The Pet Industry Joint Advisory Council has opposed the legislation, claiming the new law would jeopardize hundreds of jobs. Pet stores, however have been dwindling in numbers for the past few years as public awareness of puppy mills draws the ire of animal advocates across the country. Still some pet store owners argue the ban prevents consumers from having their choice of purchasing a specific breed or simply not purchasing “someone else’s unwanted pet.”

“By cutting off the puppy mill pipeline that moves cruelly bred animals from across the country into California pet stores, A.B.485 will also help prevent California consumers from being duped into purchases that contribute to unconscionable animal ‘production’ and suffering,” the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals said in a statement.

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(Photo of puppy mill operation via HSUS)

Check out how dogs live in puppy mills:

 

Crackdown on sales from puppy mills in California pet stores if governor signs

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It could be a “win, win” for dogs, cats and rabbits in California Governor Jerry Brown signs a measure sent to his office on Thursday requiring pet stores to sell animals from shelters or rescue organizations.  California would become the first state to finally ban the sale of animals from “puppy mills” or large breeding operations.

According to the Sacramento Bee, the bill  by Democratic Assemblyman Patrick O’Donnell would require pet stores to work with shelters if they want to sell pets. Thirty-six cities in California have already enacted similar bans, however a statewide ban does not exist. Spokesperson Brian Ferguson, for the governor, has declined to comment on whether the bill will be signed.

“Californians spend more than $250 million a year to house and euthanize animals in our shelters,” O’Donnell said. “Protecting the pets that make our house a home is an effort that makes us all proud.”

Although breeders would still be allowed to sell dogs, cats and rabbits directly to individuals wanting to purchase pets, the legislation is hoped to encourage families to adopt pets from shelters, work directly with breeders and to help ensure the pets are healthy and humanely bred – as opposed to the reckless breeding operations of mass puppy mills where dogs are treated as commodities and too often kept in atrocious conditions.

Specifically the bill would require pet stores to keep records showing where each pet originated and to display that information publicly. A violation of the law would carry a $500 civil fine.

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Shelter hopes to increase adoptions by removing controversial label – read more here.

Good Samaritan helps free this poor animal from wire fencing – watch the video here.

 

84 Great Danes rescued from New Hampshire puppy mill

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On Friday morning, the Humane Society of the United States assisted the Wolfeboro Police Department with the rescue of 84 Great Danes caged inside of a New Hampshire mansion which appeared “stately and opulent from the outside,” however the inside of the home would tell a horrible story of neglect and abuse.

According to the organization’s press release, a search warrant was obtained by the Wolfeboro Police Department following an investigation beginning on May 8 concerning animal neglect allegations and barking dog complaints. When authorities arrived, they found the dogs living in horrendous conditions with limited food and water. Dogs lived amid piles of feces and urine, several had red, swollen eyelids and the smell of ammonia and raw chicken permeated the premises. Chief Dean Rondeau of the Wolfeboro Police Department had never seen such pitiful conditions:

 “I’ve never seen conditions this bad in more than 21 years of law enforcement. Words cannot describe the absolute abhorrent conditions these animals were living in. I would like to extend my heartfelt thanks to The Humane Society of the United States, Conway Area Humane Society and Pope Memorial SPCA, whose expert opinion and counsel was well-received, as well as the other local organizations who assisted at the scene.”

In Wayne Pacelle’s blog, he described in detail what responders first encountered when they walked into the home; that from the outside just looked so elegant:

“They told me that the first thing that hit them was an overpowering rancid and putrid smell, with ammonia levels so high in some rooms that the rescuers’ eyes teared up. There were feces and debris smeared across all the walls to the point where the windows were opaque. There were big dogs who had spent countless hours in cages…”

Some of the dogs were underweight and looked sad or broken. Their large paws were badly infected; some of the dogs were as large as ponies. All of the dogs have since been transferred to temporary shelters where they will all be vetted and then the mending of their souls and bodies will begin.

The Wolfeboro Police Department served search and seizure and arrest warrants on the property. The names of the owners have not been released at this time. To help with the dogs, please click here.

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(Video and photos by Meredith Lee via the HSUS)

Video of 84 Great Danes rescued:

 

 

Wisconsin woman allowed her dogs to eat puppies

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In a disturbing case of animal cruelty in Crandon, Wisconsin, a woman has been arrested for allegedly allowing her dogs to eat puppies and the dead body of a horse. According to authorities, Patty Kirker, 52, was charged on Wednesday with 156 counts of animal mistreatment for failing to provide the animals with food and water; six of the counts are felonies.

An investigation of Kirker’s “puppy mill situation” had been launched earlier in the year after more than 80 complaints were filed. In a report from WsauNews, Kirker’s home had two feet of dog feces on the floor. On March 17, authorities seized 40 wolf-hybrid dogs and horses from the woman’s property. In the criminal complaint, the Forest County District Attorney Chuck Simono cited two unnamed witnesses who told police they had seen adult dogs eating young puppies on the properties as the animals had to resort to any means to stave off their starvation while Kirker did not feed them.

Also, in the complaint were details of the “deplorable conditions” with a description of three puppies being killed by other dogs, and of one puppy having been eaten. Then there were two horses kept in a trailer for more than three weeks with no food while dogs ate a horse’s carcass. Another dog terrorized an older neighbor and attacked the woman’s cat. Four horses and one pony died on the property.

And then there were more horrific details of two dogs walking around with embedded collars, Kirker kicking dogs and some of the animals biting her back, chained dogs that were never fed and a blind horse running into “trees and things.”

 

Kirker also faces charges in a conspiracy to smuggle drugs into the county jail. A preliminary hearing is scheduled for May 3. Kirker’s attorney denies the allegations are not true and will fight the charges. The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals are caring for the rescued animals.

(Photo of suspect alleged to have allowed her dogs to eat puppies via Forest County Sheriff’s Office booking photo)

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Terrified 4-month-old puppy tries to sleep his fears of the shelter away

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For anyone who claims they can’t find a puppy to adopt from a shelter and purchases their new best friend from a pet store, a breeder or a puppy mill supplier, check this little guy out. This terrified 4-month-old puppy desperately tries to sleep his fears away. Why would such a cute puppy wind up at Carson Animal Care? Was he an Easter present to a child? Did the family figure out puppies need attention and care? Did the family get bored and impatient with having to train and care for this little one?

Click here for this pup’s Pet Harbor listing. “I am described as a male, white Poodle – Miniature. The shelter thinks I am about 4 months old. I have been at the shelter since Apr 20, 2017.” For more information about this animal, call Los Angeles County Animal Control – Carson at (310) 523-9566. Ask for information about animal ID number A505214. A Facebook page for this dog can be followed here.

Share this puppy’s plight with approved rescue organizations, friends, family and social media contacts. Sharing saves lives. Before deciding to bring a dog into your home, look at this photo carefully – an adorable puppy who was tossed aside after just a month or so in his first home. Either make the commitment to them or buy a stuffed animal. Their lives matter.

Carson Shelter, Gardena, California
216 Victoria Street, Gardena, California
310.523.9566

Photos and video of 4-month-old puppy courtesy of Saving Carson Shelter Dogs.

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Video here: