One thousand dogs saved from a Parkersburg, W. Va. puppy mill are now on their way to better lives thanks to the diligent efforts of local authorities and local and national humane organizations. The Humane Society of the United States was there from the beginning acting as the lead animal welfare organization for this massive rescue mission.
"The puppy mill industry affects many hundreds of thousands dogs every year in this country, but today we have been able to free nearly a thousand dogs from this horrendous cycle of abuse," said Scotlund Haisley, senior director of Emergency Services at The HSUS. "It is extremely gratifying to know that we have given these animals the opportunity to experience the joys of life outside the confines of their squalid cages."
Members of the Wood County Sheriff's department and County Prosecuting Attorney Ginny Conley had received complaints that the property owner was discharging pollution without a permit. When they arrived on the scene to investigate these claims they found a grossly overrun breeding facility wrought with obvious animal neglect.
"While these were not the worst conditions I have ever witnessed, it is impossible for anyone to properly care for 1,000 dogs," said Ginny Conley, Wood County prosecuting attorney.
Once on the scene local authorities were able to convince the property owner to surrender ownership of all 1,000 dogs. The Humane Society of Parkersburg immediately called in United Animal Nations, Best Friends Animal Society and the Humane Society of Missouri to work under The HSUS animal rescue team. All organizations involved have banded together to assist with the removal of the approximately 1,000 dogs and oversee the emergency shelter where all of the animal will be housed while they await their next destination.
The dogs were predominately dachshunds, but many Yorkies, King Charles Cavaliers and poodles were also bred at the facility. All of the dogs were housed in dilapidated sheds spread throughout the rural property
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