After a North Carolina consumer filed a complaint in regards to a sick puppy, local law enforcements opened an investigation against a Pender County puppy mill located at 8440 Highway 11 in Willard and discovered the property held over 100 dogs and other animals in atrocious conditions.
On Oct. 9, 2013, the Pender County Sheriff’s Department along The Humane Society of the United States, SPCA of Wake County, Guilford County Animal Shelter, and North Carolina Veterinary Medical Association entered the property to rescue all animals.
Authorities found 104 dogs including English bulldogs, huskies, chihuahuas and poodles living in wire chicken coops filled with feces and exposed to all elements. The puppy mill also housed a horse, a goat, three calves and 62 chickens.
All animals required veterinary attention and some were in need of emergency care.
“It is heartbreaking to see these dogs in such poor condition—no animal should suffer the way they did,” said Kim Alboum, North Carolina state director for The HSUS.
According to authorities, this rescue is another proof that North Carolina needs stronger laws to put a stop at the way puppy mills function and profit.
“This rescue demonstrates the need for stronger laws to prevent someone from forcing dogs to spend their lives in squalor, without access to clean food and water,” said Alboum. “We’re so grateful to the Pender County Sheriff’s Department for taking action in this case and for allowing us to help rescue these animals.”
The dogs were taken to shelters in Guilford and Wake Counties, once the investigation is closed and all pets are given a clean bill of health they will be available for adoption.
The puppy mill owner surrendered all animals as soon as investigators arrived at the scene. Charges are pending.
