Puppy mill dogs get a new leash on life

BLOOMINGTON, Ind (WTHI) - More than 100 dogs saved from a Bloomfield, Ind. puppy mill are now on their way to better lives thanks to the efforts of local authorities, area humane organizations and The Humane Society of the United States, which acted as the lead animal welfare organization in this rescue mission.

"Today marks a new, happy beginning for the approximately 100 dogs rescued from a life of confinement and continual forced breeding," said Anne Sterling, Indiana state director for The HSUS.

According to a statement from the Attorney General's office, the operation enforces Indiana's sales-tax-evasion laws.

The case began when the Attorney General's office received a complaint that the property owners bred dogs and sold the puppies for hundreds of dollars each, but failed to collect or remit sales taxes to the State of Indiana as required by law.

The initial consumer who complained bought a pug puppy who was sick and died shortly after he was purchased.

State investigators served a tax jeopardy assessment to the owner of the Greene County property. The puppies of these dogs were sold to unsuspecting consumers through newspaper ads and over the Internet.

When responders arrived on the property they found overcrowded and unsanitary conditions.

Several breeds of dogs were present including Maltese, Shih Tzus, pugs and poodles. They were housed in small wire cages and runs inside a dirty mobile home. Some dogs were denied proper veterinary care and socialization as is typical in puppy mills.

The HSUS is transporting all of the dogs to a temporary shelter set up by the United Animal Nations in space generously provided by the Pets Alive Spay Neuter Clinic. The animals will be checked over by a team of veterinarians and receive any necessary medical care.

Consumers who purchased dogs from the owner of Love My Pets, Darlene Clark operation who wish to file a consumer complaint can do so by visiting http://www.indianaconsumer.com/ or by calling 1-800-382-5516.

Supplies were provided by PetSmart Charities®. The dogs will be cared for by UAN and The HSUS until they are transported to humane organizations around the region where they will be available for adoption.

Organizations Providing Assistance Include:

United Animal Nations
Pets Alive Spay Neuter Clinic
Pet Refuge (will have dogs available for adoption)
Linda’s Camp K9 (will have dogs available for adoption)
Casa Del Toro
Honey Creek Animal Hospital
Bloomington Animal Care & Control
New Albany Floyd County Animal Shelter
Monroe County Humane Association
Southlane Veterinary Hospital
Bloomington Cat Hospital
 

The dogs will be adopted out through the following animal shelters:

Casa Del Toro (Indianapolis)

Brown County Humane Society

Bloomington Animal Care and Control

Vanderburgh Humane Society

New Albany Animal Shelter

Pet Refuge of Mishawaka