73 Dogs Rescued From North Texas Puppy Mill
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FORT WORTH (CBSDFW.COM) - The Humane Society of North Texas (HSNT) assisted Stephens County with the seizure of 73 neglected dogs from an alleged puppy mill. The owners were actively breeding the Australian Shepherds, Border Collies, German Shepherds and Labrador Retrievers in deplorable conditions.
"The conditions these dogs were living in were absolutely horrific," said Kim Meek, Lead Humane Investigator for HSNT. "It was clear that the owners had become overwhelmed. There were so many dogs living inside the house that the owners had actually moved into a travel trailer in the yard. More dogs were living in the attached garage and two large buildings. Even worse, there were several dogs crammed into wire pop up crates. In many of the enclosures, more than six inches of feces covered the floors."
HSNT's humane investigators loaded the 73 dogs, including three nursing mothers, into crates and transported them to one of their off-site holding facilities. The dogs immediately received medical examinations and treatment for parasitic infections.
One puppy that tested positive for parvovirus passed away.
"Puppies born in puppy mills frequently contract life-threatening diseases such as parvovirus and distemper as a result of the squalor they live in," said Dr. Cynthia Jones, HSNT Veterinarian. "Sadly, many do not live to see their first birthday."
In addition to the parvovirus cases, a male miniature Australian Shepherd, named Ranger by HSNT staff, is in desperate need of ear ablation surgery. It is unclear what caused the deformation and severe cauliflowering of Ranger's ear, but it has left him vulnerable to chronic ear infections and ear pain. This surgery would remove his ear canal and sew it shut, allowing him to live a healthy, comfortable life.
HSNT is seeking donations from animal lovers in the community to provide Ranger with surgery and to help fund the care of the 60 dogs in our care until they are able to find loving homes. Donations can be made at hsnt.org, by calling 817-332-4768, or by mail at 1840 E. Lancaster Ave., Fort Worth, TX 76103.
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