PARKERSBURG, W. Va. — After intense planning and nearly a week of around-the-clock work, all 927 dogs rescued in what is believed to be the largest puppy mill raid in W. Va. history are resting comfortably and are ready to begin new lives in loving homes. The Humane Society of Parkersburg has been granted custody of the animals removed from Whispering Oaks Kennel in Parkersburg.
"I am honored that we had the opportunity to rescue nearly 950 dogs from a future of certain misery," said Maryann Hollis, executive director of the Humane Society of Parkersburg. "After rescuing these dogs from their previous lives of neglect, I am deeply touched to now see them beginning a new, happy chapter of their lives."
The Humane Society of Parkersburg called in The Humane Society of the United States, United Animal Nations, Best Friends Animal Society and the Humane Society of Missouri to help accomplish the momentous feat of removing 927 dogs from their squalid hutches in less than 30 hours. All organizations involved are now working with local and national volunteers to care for these dogs at a nearby emergency shelter.
Today nearly 100 of the dogs were moved to The Humane Society of Missouri where they will be evaluated and put up for adoption. The remaining dogs will be transported over the next few days to humane organizations across the region where they will begin the social rehabilitation necessary to ready them for their new lives as family pets. Each of the rescued dogs will be spayed or neutered so that they will never again be forced to contribute to the endless cycle of pet overpopulation.
"I am amazed at the unprecedented outpouring of compassion and dedication that we have seen in this rescue mission. It would have been impossible for us to save these animals without the support of all of the organizations involved," said Hollis.
U.S. animal shelters euthanize 3 million to 4 million cats and dogs every year, and yet pet industry statistics show that about one-third of the nation's 11,000 pet stores continue to sell puppies. Many of these dogs come from puppy mills—mass commercial breeding operations that put profit above the health and welfare of the puppies and their parents.
Please visit the Humane Society of Parkersburg's Web site for a full list of humane organizations and rescue groups where these dogs will be available for adoption.
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The Humane Society of the United States is the nation's largest animal protection organization — backed by 10.5 million Americans, or one of every 30. For more than a half-century, The HSUS has been fighting for the protection of all animals through advocacy, education and hands-on programs. Celebrating animals and confronting cruelty — On the web at humanesociety.org.
