PARKER, S.D. — The Humane Society of the United States, in conjunction with Second Chance Rescue and the Turner County Sheriff's Department, rescued 172 dogs from unsanitary conditions at an alleged puppy mill in Turner County.
"These animals were clearly lacking proper medical care and socialization, and were kept in constant confinement their entire lives," said Scotlund Haisley, senior director of Emergency Services at The HSUS. "This rescue proves once again why people must know where their puppies come from in order to avoid supporting the cruel puppy mill industry."
The property owner bred and sold dogs online to unsuspecting consumers. Unfortunately, these mass-breeding facilities exist all over the country. This is the fourth deployment The HSUS has conducted in less than a week, rescuing nearly 600 animals.
This investigation began after a consumer who bought a sick puppy from the operator's Web site lodged a complaint. Second Chance Rescue then called in The HSUS and the Turner County Sheriff's Department to rescue these neglected animals. Responders found 172 dogs, including German shorthair pointers and Weimaraners. The dogs were housed in unclean dog runs with little protection from the elements. Many appear to have skin and eye infections, untreated medical conditions and parasite infestation.
The rescue team removed all of the dogs from the property and transported them to a temporary shelter set up by United Animal Nations, The HSUS and Second Chance Rescue. Once at the shelter the dogs began receiving immediate medical care. Volunteers from United Animal Nations are on hand to assist with the temporary shelter for the rescued animals. Much-needed supplies were provided by PetSmart Charities®.
High-quality photos and video of the rescue are available upon request.
Consumer Tips to Avoid Supporting Abusive Puppy Mills
- Consider adoption first when getting a pet. Animal shelters are filled with dogs and cats of all breeds and sizes who need and deserve loving homes. Nationwide, approximately 25 percent of the dogs in shelters are purebreds.
- Find a responsible breeder and visit their premises in person to see how the parent dogs are living and the conditions in which the puppy was raised. Responsible breeders house their dogs as members of the family and do not keep them confined to cages.
- Don't be fooled by common claims made by pet stores when pushing their puppies. Good breeders do not sell to pet stores because they want to meet the families who are taking home their puppies.
- Don't be swayed by a great website or advertisement; many of the puppy mills The HSUS has raided in recent years hid behind beautiful and deceiving websites promising "family raised" puppies.
- Avoid the temptation to "rescue" a puppy mill puppy by buying him — your purchase will only help perpetuate a cruel industry and another dog will quickly fill his cage.
- For more information on how to get a puppy from a shelter or a responsible breeder, go to humanesociety.org/puppy.
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The Humane Society of the United States is the nation's largest animal protection organization — backed by 11 million Americans, or one of every 28. 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.
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