Main Shelter Information: 240.773.5960

NC Puppy Mill Raid Survivors Receive Care

at MCHS Rescue

Available for Adoption Visits and Applications as of Feb. 19th

The Montgomery County Humane Society saved 15 dogs rescued a week ago from a puppy mill in Wayne County, NC last week. Mostly small breeds - Yorkies, Poodles, Chihuahuas, Pomeranians and Shih-Tzus -- many were emaciated, severely matted, had overgrown their collars and were suffering from dental and other serious medical ailments.

"It is appalling that any breeder would allow animals to be raised this way," said MCHS President and CEO Cris Bombaugh. "These dogs are now getting the medical attention, grooming and TLC they so badly need with our staff and volunteers."

Robert Henne, manager of the MCHS Private Rescue, said, "The dogs are doing great with social and physical rehabilitation." They will be available for visits and applications at noon on Thursday, February 19. Once the dogs are ready for adoption, their photos and descriptions will be posted on the Rescue's webpage.

"The compassion of the volunteers and community has been amazing," Henne added. "It would have been impossible for us to save these animals without them."

"Now we need your support to care for these animals and get them on their way to good health," Bombaugh said. "This rescue mission is funded entirely by donations, and no gift is too small. The community can help these survivors become the treasured family pets they were always meant to be by making a contribution today."

A year-long investigation by The Humane Society of the United States into Thornton’s Kennels led to the seizure of these dogs. The HSUS and Wayne County Animal Control partnered to rescue almost 300 neglected animals. Volunteers with United Animal Nations oversaw a temporary emergency shelter in North Carolina.

HSUS is currently strongly urging local law enforcement to pursue criminal charges against the mill owner and bar her from breeding dogs in the future. Legislation has been introduced in Maryland and a number of other states to limit the number of dogs in puppy mills and to require humane treatment.

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Make a Contribution to Support

the North Carolina Puppy Mill Survivors

We need your support to care for these animals and get them on their way to good health. This rescue mission is entirely funded by donations, and no gift is too small. Although their prior life was terrible, with your help we can ensure that they and many other abused and homeless animals will never have to endure another day of misery.

According to field notes posted on The Humane Society of the United States website, there are approximately 10,000 puppy mills in the United States. There is now one less because of the amazing team that tackled this one: local volunteers, veterinarians and technicians on site in North Carolina, members of United Animal Nations and PetSmart Charities®, and volunteers and staff at all of the assisting shelters who are now caring for these rescued dogs.

To support this rescue mission, please donate and make a note in the “add special instructions to merchant” box indicating that this donation is for the NC Puppy Mill Survivors.

Facts About Puppy Mills*

•  Approximately one-third of the nation's 9,000 independent pet stores sell puppies.
•  The HSUS estimates that 2 to 4 million puppy mill puppies are sold each year in the U.S.
•  Puppy mill puppies often have health problems, genetic defects and behavioral issues.
•  Documented puppy mill conditions include over-breeding, inbreeding, minimal veterinary care, poor food and shelter, crowded cages and lack of socialization.
•  Dogs kept for breeding in puppy mills suffer for years in continual confinement. They are bred as often as possible and then destroyed or discarded once they can no longer produce puppies.
•  Pet stores and puppy mills use attractive websites to hide the truth and to dupe the public into thinking that they are dealing with a reputable breeder.
•  Reputable breeders never sell puppies over the Internet or through a pet store and will insist on meeting the family who will be purchasing the dog.
•  Puppy mills contribute to the pet overpopulation problem which results in millions of unwanted dogs euthanized at shelters every year.

•  Legislation has been introduced in the Maryland House and Senate, as well as many other states, to limit the number of dogs in puppy mills and to require their humane treatment.

For more information, go to humanesociety.org/stoppuppymills.

*Source: The Humane Society of the United States