This afternoon, 16 dogs arrived at our Robins-Starr Humane Center after having been rescued from two dreadful Missouri puppy mills by the Humane Society of the United States (HSUS). After living in deplorable conditions with no veterinary care or human affection at a mass dog breeding operation for years, these pets have now arrived safely at a much brighter future – one where they will know safety and love for the first time in their lives.
HSUS contacted us last week to ask for our help in transferring these precious pets into our care as we have done a number of times for them in the past. After the Missouri Department of Agriculture did not renew the licenses of the two large-scale breeding operations where the dogs once lived in misery, the puppy mills closed. HSUS personnel travelled to Missouri to provide temporary shelter, initial veterinary care and transport to about 80 dogs so that they could be placed with private humane organizations like the Richmond SPCA.
Since late 2007, our organization has saved the lives of nearly 200 dogs rescued from abusive puppy mills.
Dogs rescued from commercial breeding operations typically require extensive medical and behavioral rehabilitation due to the unspeakably poor conditions in which they are forced to live. Our dedicated veterinary and animal care teams are making each of our new arrivals comfortable and are evaluating their health so that we can begin to deliver them essential treatment before we place them in loving, permanent homes.
The rescue of these particular little dogs is especially noteworthy. In November 2010, Proposition B, the public referendum known as the Puppy Mill Cruelty Act, in Missouri – which is home to 30 percent of the nation’s commercial breeding operations – passed. It established enforceable standards for large-scale dog breeding facilities and required that they provide dramatically increased cage space, solid flooring, adequate veterinary care, nutritious food, clean drinking water and protection from the elements. While Prop B does not take effect until this November, some puppy mills that were already terribly substandard have recognized that they will not be able to meet the higher standards within the next 10 months and have decided to close. To read a prior blog I wrote about Prop B, click here.
The loving arms of the Richmond SPCA have wrapped around these 16 pets, who join more than 250 other dogs and cats presently in our care. They have been brave little survivors to get this far and we will make sure that they now get much needed care and loving homes for the remainder of their lives. The support of our community makes lifesaving successes like this possible.
Robin Robertson Starr is the chief executive officer of the Richmond SPCA. To read her biography or that of our other bloggers, please click here. Before posting a comment, please review our comment guidelines. Please note that our comment policy requires a first and last name to be used as your screen name.
Is there any way you can send me pictures/bios of the rescued puppies? Will they be posted online?
Posted by: Jen Miller | January 20, 2011 at 10:16 PM
Hi Jen,
A first gallery of photos are on our Facebook page: http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=263915&id=19710787927
We don't have any bio information to provide since they just arrived this afternoon. They have a long road ahead that will begin with a full evaluation by our veterinary team to develop a course of treatment. Our training staff along with volunteers will also begin working to socialize them and provide behavioral rehabilitation since puppy mill dogs don't yet know what it is to be a pet.
We'll keep everyone posted on their progress here on our blog as well as through Facebook.
Posted by: Tabitha Hanes | January 20, 2011 at 11:29 PM
How can we find out when they will be ready for adoption? When can they be seen?
Posted by: Elizabeth Foster | January 21, 2011 at 11:58 AM
We adopted a puppy mill rescue from the Washington Animal Rescue League 3 years ago. She is a King Charles Cavalier Spaniel about 4 years old. One of the things that made the transition easier was the fact we already had two dogs - a golden retriever and a spaniel/retriever/pomerian mix rescue. - all females. She bonded with them almost immediately. It took time and patience but we now have a dog who sleeps on my husband's back, is a complete velcro dog and has finally learned that everyone is not evil. It took about 18 months before she would let a stranger pet her but now she seeks them out. She is a tremendous joy and I am trying to convince my husband we should rescue one these dogs too!
Posted by: Marikay Shaw | January 21, 2011 at 01:48 PM
@Elizabeth - Since their medical conditions vary, so will the treatment plans for each of these 16 dogs. Among other conditions, they are all suffering from dental disease, which will require treatment, and of course they'll all be spayed or neutered. Once our veterinary and behavior teams clear them for adoption - for some this may be in as little as a few weeks, but for those requiring more intensive rehabilitation it could be longer - our adoption counselors will contact those who have indicated interest by placing their names on our wish list. If you would like to be added to the wish list, please visit our humane center at 2519 Hermitage Road. However, if you'd just like updates on their progress, keep an eye on our blog and Facebook page.
Posted by: Tabitha Hanes | January 21, 2011 at 03:40 PM
I'v placed my name on the wish list for possibly one of the Missuri chihuahua's. I have 3 rescused big and little ones already. But always room for another member of the family. I am especially drawn to the chihuahua's because we just lost our Muir this January 1st after having her for 22 years. I will put my name on your wish list every week until, hopefully, someone calls me
Posted by: William Brooks | February 01, 2011 at 05:56 PM
@ William - Thanks for visiting our center to add your name to our wish list. The list is refreshed every three weeks, so a weekly visit isn't necessary, but we always love to have animal lovers come by and visit our adoption center. You never know, your match could be waiting to meet you.
Posted by: Tabitha Hanes | February 02, 2011 at 10:54 AM
I'm still coming in filling out wish list, It seems T.J and Mojo of the Misouri dogs have been adopted. That still leaves Dani and Zorro. The young lady at front desk, very helpful, but couldn't pull up information on the remaining chihuahuas. I would like to hear back about them....:)
Posted by: William Brooks | February 09, 2011 at 05:04 PM
@William - I've shared your comment with our adoption staff, and one of our counselors remembered talking to you. They're aware you're on our wish list, and hopefully you'll be getting a call soon. Our adoption staff are unable to access information about pets who have yet to be cleared for adoption by our veterinary and behavioral teams, so that's likely why there was not more info to share. Thanks so much for your visit and desire to give an orphaned pet a loving home.
Posted by: Tabitha Hanes | February 10, 2011 at 11:42 AM