DIANA, TX  – When The Humane Society of the United States Southwest Regional office received a call about more than 70 dogs living in deplorable conditions at a breeding facility they did not hesitate to offer to help. Faced with the task of placing and caring for the animals Lou Guyton, SWRO Director called on The Humane Society of North Texas and other local rescue groups to lend a helping hand.

The dogs, ranging from two day old Chihuahua puppies to adult Rottweilers, were living in squalor at a North Texas puppy mill. Local authorities called in to investigate found the animals living in a metal building with no air conditioning and little or no drinking water. Many of the dogs were also suffering from severe mange and matted fur.

The HSUS' Southwest Regional office accompanied the Humane Society of North Texas (HSNT) to assist with the rescue of many of the dogs.  Additional dogs are being released to independent Breed and All Breed rescue organizations.  HSNT will be overseeing the care of 28 of these neglected animals, which will arrive at their facilities this afternoon.

All of the rescued dogs will be vetted, evaluated and placed for adoption appropriately. "No animal deserves to be mistreated like this. It is our hope that every one of these dogs will find a loving home," said Jay Sabatucci, regional program manager for the Southwest regional office of the HSUS.

Puppy mills are mass dog-breeding operations located in many areas of the United States. These operations frequently house dogs in shockingly poor conditions, particularly for "breeding stock" animals who are caged and continually bred for years, without human companionship and with little hope to ever become part of a family. Dogs suffer miserably for years in confined conditions and often develop behavior and health problems as a result. Behind the friendly façade of pet stores, web sites and newspaper ads, there often lies a puppy mill. For more information about puppy mills, go to humanesociety.org/StopPuppyMills. 

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The Humane Society of the United States is the nation's largest animal protection organization – backed by 10 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.

The Southwest Regional Office, located in Fort Worth, Texas, serves the animals and people of seven states: Arkansas, Arizona, Kansas, Louisiana, New Mexico, Oklahoma and Texas.