Animal rescuers have banded together to help save dozens of dogs from an alleged puppy mill.
According to a statement from the BISSELL Pet Foundation, the Chatham County Sheriff’s Office in North Carolina recently contacted the animal welfare organization with an “urgent request.”
The sheriff’s office needed help rescuing more than 150 dogs, many of them schnauzers and miniature schnauzers, from a property in Bear Creek. Inside, rescuers found dogs living in cages surrounded by “several centimeters of urine and feces.” Authorities suspect the property operated as a puppy mill, according to the release.
After receiving a call from the Chatham County Sheriff’s Office, the BISSELL Pet Foundation and Animal Rescue Corps, an animal welfare organization, mobilized and went to North Carolina to begin rescuing dogs.
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The Animal Rescue Corps assisted the sheriff’s office at the dog shelter and assisted with medical needs, transportation and legal paperwork. The BISSELL Pet Foundation contributed funding and volunteers to make the rescue operation run smoothly.
A few of the over 150 dogs found in filthy conditions in Bear Creek, North Carolina.
Animal Rescue Corps
The BISSELL Pet Foundation said that in addition to removing more than 150 dogs from an “inadequate” property in North Carolina, authorities also arrested and charged the owner of the property with animal cruelty.
“We recognize that not all are victims of human abuse, and we take animal cruelty very seriously,” Sheriff Mike Roberson said in a statement. “We are committed to fully enforcing state laws, holding those responsible for such acts accountable. We are also grateful for the assistance of the BISSELL Pet Foundation and Animal Rescue Corps in resolving this situation.”
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Unfortunately, several dead dogs were found among the live canines that were rescued from the property. Live pets pulled from the premises included newborn puppies and dogs suffering from dehydration, malnutrition, parasites, skin diseases, untreated injuries and other life-threatening health problems.
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Puppies found living in neglected conditions on property in Bear Creek, North Carolina.
Animal Rescue Corps
More than 150 canines were moved to an undisclosed rescue facility for care and treatment.
“A seizure of this size and magnitude is a crisis for any animal shelter. We applaud the Chatham County Sheriff’s Office and Animal Resources for handling this outrageous case of neglect and cruelty,” said Cathy Bissell, founder of the BISSELL Pet Foundation. “These animals were bred for greed without regard for their health or welfare.”
The BISSELL Pet Foundation and Animal Rescue Corps hope this major rescue will raise awareness of the dangers dogs face from unlicensed breeders.
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Dogs from large-scale rescues performed by the Animal Rescue Corps, BISSELL Pet Foundation and the Chatham County Sheriff’s Office.
Animal Rescue Corps
“Every dog rescued from a puppy mill is a victory against cruelty,” said Tim Woodward, CEO of Animal Rescue Corps. “We’re working to shed light on the dark reality of puppy mills and highlight the transformative power of adoption in giving these animals the love and care they deserve.”
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North Carolina rescue dogs are not available for adoption as the animals are focused on recovering from neglect, including injuries sustained from long-term exposure to ammonia found in urine.
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Source: HIS Education