Hundreds need homes after massive puppy mill raid
Humane societies and rescue organizations in Florida, Georgia, Maryland and elsewhere are helping to find new homes for the 700 dogs seized last week in what the Humane Society of the United States calls one of the largest puppy mill rescues ever conducted.
Investigators removed the dogs Wednesday from Pinebluff Kennels in Lyles, Tenn. Many of the dogs suffered eye injuries, broken bones and skin conditions. Several were found dead.
The dogs were being sold on the Web site pinebluffpups.com for as much as $400. Most of the dogs offered on the site were small breeds, such as Chihuahuas, Terriers and Miniature Pinschers.
After months of investigation, county officials and HSUS investigators raided the operation in Hickman County, then dispatched the dogs to shelters in states from Florida to Maryland.
According to the Nashville Tennessean, the Hickman County Humane Society is seeking volunteers to help with sheltering and caring for the animals. They especially need veterinarians and veterinarian technicians, Haisley said. PetSmart Charities has donated enough food for the animals, but there is a need for blankets and towels, he added.
Assistant District Attorney Terry Wood said the owner of Pinebluff Kennels, where the animals were seized, has surrendered the dogs. She has not been charged yet. It could take weeks for investigators to go through evidence and decide what charges the kennel owner could face, Wood said.
More than 150 of the dogs have found refuge in Atlanta, where the Atlanta Humane Society had a sale this weekend to clear space so it could take in the dogs, according to the Atlanta Journal-Constitution.
Another 130 were sent to the Humane Society of Broward County Florida, according to the Miami Herald.
About 100 have arrived in Maryland and Washington, D.C., Fox News in Washington reported.
The puppies, originally destined to be sold online, mall pet stores and pet boutiques, are now in the process of being adopted through the various rescue organizations. For more information about helping in the effort, contact the Hickman Humane Society.
