- Seven adult golden retrievers and 20 puppies were removed from a property in Hopkinton, Rhode Island
- Authorities visited the residences to investigate claims of illegal breeding and reportedly found dogs living in ‘horrendous’ conditions
- The golden retrievers are in the care of the Rhode Island Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, where they are being treated for ringworm.
On Friday, 27 golden retrievers were rescued from a home in Hopkinton, Rhode Island.
Police described the conditions the retrievers, 20 puppies and seven adults, were living in as “horrendous,” local television station WPRI-TV reported.
After Friday’s rescue, the Hopkinton Police Department shared a Facebook post detailing the situation and a collection of photos of officers transporting the dogs from the home.
Two golden retrievers are being rescued in Hopkinton, Rhode Island.
Hopkinton Police Department
Abused dogs ready for adoption after being rescued from bad conditions: ‘You couldn’t even recognize them’
According to the department, police teamed up with an environmental scientist, the Rhode Island Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (RISPCA) Hopkinton Animal Control, to safely retrieve the cubs.
On Friday, the aforementioned officers responded to the residence “to investigate an unlicensed puppy mill as well as unsanitary conditions,” the Rhode Island Police Department said.
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():focal(999x0:1001x2)/27-golden-retriever-puppies-rescued-031124-4-88679ce44e774bd18b93fc5184ece3e2.jpg)
Two golden retrievers rescued in Hopkinton, Rhode Island.
Hopkinton Police Department
Photos included in the agency’s social media post show puppies being carried out of the residence by people wearing gloves, masks and leg coverings, as well as puppies in dog crates in vans parked on the property.
According to the police department, the resident of the property where the golden retrievers were was “cooperative” and “surrendered” the canines. The dogs are now under the supervision of the RISPCA, which “will begin the adoption process once the dogs are medically cleared.”
Never miss a story — sign up for PEOPLE’s free daily newsletter to stay up-to-date on the best PEOPLE has to offer, from celebrity news to compelling human interest stories.
Hopkinton Animal Control posted on Facebook Friday that the retrievers underwent “health checks and TLC” after arriving at the RISPCA.
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():focal(925x0:927x2)/27-golden-retriever-puppies-rescued-031124-6-b8e705d3d9d041bc866553cff0fc4703.jpg)
Golden retrievers rescued in Hopkinton, Rhode Island.
Hopkinton Police Department
After a day in RISPCA custody, the society shared an “important update” about the canines, revealing the dogs are not yet available for fostering or adoption due to a yeast infection.
“Golden retriever puppies and dogs that were recently surrendered to us tested positive for ringworm,” RISPCA wrote in a Facebook post. “This means they are NOT available for foster or adoption for a few weeks.”
“We are currently providing the dogs with the necessary medical care and are unable to process requests at this time,” the post said. “Thank you for your patience and understanding.”
Categories: Trends
Source: HIS Education