NEW ALBANY, Ind.– More than 200 dogs saved from a Harrison County, Ind. puppy mill are now on their way to better lives thanks to the diligent efforts of local authorities, area humane organizations and The Humane Society of the United States, which is the lead animal welfare organization in this rescue mission.
"Today marks a new, happy beginning for the approximately 200 dogs rescued from deplorable conditions at the Breezy Valley Farm," said Anne Sterling, Indiana state director for The HSUS. "It is critical that consumers visit a breeder's property and meet the puppy's parents before buying; using The HSUS Good Breeder Checklist, available on The HSUS website can help them be sure they aren't dealing with a puppy mill." The HSUS Good Breeder Checklist can be found directly at humanesociety.org/goodbreeder.
According to a statement from the Attorney General's office, the operation enforces Indiana's sales-tax-evasion laws. The case began when the Attorney General's office received complaints that the property owners bred dogs and sold the puppies for hundreds of dollars each, but failed to collect or remit sales taxes to the State of Indiana as required by law. State investigators today served a search warrant on the Harrison County property. The puppies of these neglected, sick dogs were sold to unsuspecting consumers through newspaper ads.
Responders from The HSUS, Humane Society of Missouri and New Albany Floyd County Animal Shelter have safely removed all animals from the property. The dogs are being transported to a local shelter set up by The HSUS where they will be checked over by a team of veterinarians and receive any necessary medical care. Much-needed supplies were provided by PetSmart Charities®, which sent its Emergency Relief Waggin'® full of donated goods such as wire crates, dog food and medical supplies.
When they arrived on the scene to rescue the dogs, responders found a grossly overcrowded breeding facility displaying obvious animal neglect. Several breeds of dogs were present including Yorkies, poodles and Chihuahuas. They were housed in wire pens spread throughout the rural property. Some dogs were denied proper veterinary care and socialization as is typical in puppy mills. These resilient little animals are already beginning to perk up under the care of their temporary guardians at the emergency shelter. The dogs will soon be taken in by humane organizations around the region, evaluated and put up for adoption.
Puppy mills have thrived in Indiana in part due to historically lax animal cruelty laws. Recent passage of HEA 1486 will allow for increased action against inhumane puppy mills, forcing them to improve conditions and provide decent care for the animals.
Today's sales-tax-enforcement action took place under pre-existing law. A new law passed by the Legislature that takes effect July 1, House Enrolled Act. 1468, will give the state of Indiana additional enforcement authority against commercial dog-breeding operations. It requires that caged dogs be allowed out for exercise and increases the penalties for animal cruelty. Puppy producers and brokers will be required to register with the State of Indiana; and that in turn could more readily trigger sales-tax investigations.
The HSUS will have broadcast-quality video and photos available from this operation for viewing and download by news media outlets at video.hsus.org.
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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.
