posted May 31, 2013 10:32 AM            

More than 150 dogs were recovered May 23 by the ASPCA and Roscommon County Animal Shelter, at the request of the Missaukee County Sheriff's Office, from what the ASPCA believes to be a substandard, large-scale breeding facility.

Since the removal of the dogs last week, ASPCA responders have cared for and provided the dogs with medical treatment at the Roscommon County Animal Shelter in Prudenville. Each dog was carefully evaluated by the ASPCA Anti-Cruelty Behavior team prior to being transferred to the rescue groups.

The following groups will continue to work with each dog, with the hope of eventually adopting each of them to loving homes: Roscommon County Animal Shelter (Prudenville, Mich.); Medina County SPCA (Medina, Ohio); Animal Humane Society (Golden Valley, Minn.); Kent County Animal Control (Grand Rapids, Mich.); Humane Society of West Michigan (Grand Rapids, Mich.); Michigan Humane Society (Rochester Hills, Mich.); and HANDDS (Traverse City, Mich.).

Some of the more fearful and unsocialized dogs have been transferred to the ASPCA Behavioral Rehabilitation Center at St. Hubert's Animal Welfare Center in Madison, N.J., where they will receive treatment to better their chances of adoption.

"Thanks to our accommodating partner shelters, we were able to find placement for all of these dogs in just one week," said Kathryn Destreza, ASPCA director of investigations for the ASPCA Field Investigations & Response team. "These dogs have been living in miserable conditions their entire lives. We are excited to see them move on to shelters so quickly, and soon, to loving homes."

The removal of the animals was a result of a civil action, prompted by violation of Michigan's Dog Law, led by the Missaukee County Sheriff's Office and the Roscommon County Animal Shelter.

The dogs – mainly Jack Russell terriers and Shiba Inus – were discovered living in outdoor enclosures with little protection from the elements. Many dogs had no access to clean drinking water or proper shelter, with plastic carriers being their only refuge from rain, snow or sun.

Responders on the scene found the dogs were unsocialized and fearful when handled by humans. The ASPCA believes the facility to be a puppy mill, a large-scale breeding operation, where profit is given priority over the well-being of the animals.

KENT COUNTY EXPECTING TO TAKE 20 DOGS

The Kent County Animal Shelter is working with the ASPCA to help save about 20 dogs that were taken from a suspected puppy mill.

"Most of the dogs lived inside cages all their lives, so they may be a little shy at first," said Adam London, health officer for the Kent County Health Department. "Still, we understand they exhibit good social behavior, and may need just a little training to adjust to life in homes. We are optimistic that we can adopt these dogs to good homes quickly, thanks to special adoption rates we are running right now,"

Two special gifts from the Michigan Animal Welfare Fund and GEORGE'S FUND (in memory of dog owner and KCAS supporter George Lewis) are allowing KCAS to run a dog adoption special – $50 (plus $12 license fee) per dog, while funding lasts. This includes spay/neuter costs and getting the pet up to date on vaccinations. Cats and kittens are available for adoption for just $5.

Fill out an adoption application in advance at www.icpawz.com, and also check out featured pets.
Shelter hours are 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Friday and 8 a.m. to noon on Saturday. Adoptions end one hour before closing

The Kent County Animal Shelter is located at 740 Fuller NE in Grand Rapids. Contact the shelter at 616-632-7300.