Animal Rescue Efforts Take Down South Carolina Puppy Mill

According to a news item on the Charlotte Observer, a warrant was served by the Edgefield County Sheriff's office on a property in Johnston, South Carolina after an alleged puppy mill was discovered.

Among the animals rescued and removed by several veterinarians and Humane Society of Charlotte volunteers were 200 dogs, nine horses and 40 fowl living under squalid conditions. The breeds of dogs rescued included Maltese, Boxers, Chihuahuas and Golden Retrievers. The dogs were suffering from eye infections, dental disease, skin irritations, and a lack of socialization.

The puppies and nursing mothers were housed together in disgusting rabbit hutches, while many of the larger breeding dogs were penned, or allowed to roam free on the property. 

Kim Kelly, the South Carolina state director for the HSUS said, “It’s simply unacceptable for dogs to be housed in such cruel conditions. We’re thankful that the Edgefield County Sheriff’s Office acted on this case and called us for help.”

Also responding immediately to the deplorable scene was PetSmart Charities Inc. The organization quickly dispatched its 53-foot Emergency Relief Waggin trailer which is kept stocked with 16 tons of critical supplies worth $90,000. The vehicle was dispatched from the PetSmart Distribution Center in Newnan, Georgia.  Included in the items that were desperately needed were pet food, plastic carriers, wire crates, a generator, bowls, a battery charger and lights to help animal rescuers on the scene.

Describing the resources the Emergency Relief Waggin trailer offers, Susana Della Maddalena, Executive Director of PetSmart Charities, Inc. said, "PetSmart Charities also dispatches a team of specially trained volunteers to the scene. The volunteers can unload supplies and set up the temporary shelter very quickly, enabling on-the-ground rescuers to immediately attend to the animal victims.”

As a result of this most recent incident, officials are calling for stronger animal cruelty laws. Following his visit to the property on which the alleged puppy mill was operating, Lexington County State Senator Jake Knotts remarked, "We need to attack this problem by requiring that anyone that is selling animals be licensed and inspected by the state."  Knotts also feels if elected officials had been present at the scene, passing a state law that addresses this problem would be easily passed.

No information yet has been released about possible arrests or when the dogs will be put up for adoption. Folks wishing to donate to help fund the PetSmart Charities’ Emergency Relief program (so many more pets like these may find permanent loving homes) may do so at their secure site, email at gifts@petsmartcharities.org or by telephone at 623-587-2826.

It’s crucial that legislation is passed that once and for all will put puppy and kitten mills out of business. You can help by telling your representatives to take action.

What other steps can be taken to shut down kitten and puppy mills? Share your ideas in a comment.