Over 200 dogs rescued from suspected puppy mill

The Shelby County Animal Rescue Foundation is asking for help after 241 dogs were rescued from an alleged puppy mill yesterday. The couple running the operation will likely be charged with multiple counts of animal cruelty. Read the story and how to contact SCARF here:


Over 200 dogs rescued from suspected puppy mill

• November 18, 2012

 

Animal welfare investigators have closed an alleged puppy mill in Maplewood, Ohio, rescuing 241 dogs from the property.

Sherrif's deputies, the Shelby County Dog Warden and representatives from the American Kennel Club and Ohio SPCA were on hand to help remove the dogs from the premises of Dave and Rhonda Auton, who run "Pedigree Pets" at 8350 Tawawa Maplewood Road, according to WHOIO-TV.
Investigators found the dogs in poor health and in unfit kennel conditions. Sheriff John R. Lenhart said he's never seen conditions so deplorable. The warrant was the culmination of a six month investigation, prompted by citizen complaints. The Dog Warden is preparing charges against the couple, which will likely include multiple counts of animal cruelty.

Veterinarian Dr. Lisa Nadasi was on hand to review the dogs' health. "All the animals outside, all their water was frozen. I didn’t see any food anywhere," Dr. Nadasi said. "Every (dog) we brought in here to feed is starving."

The Ohio SPCA Response Team said the dogs were photographed, documented, and transported to safety in less than than 7 hours. The dogs were removed to several locations for medical examination and care.

The dogs seized included many different breeds including Boxers, Bull Matiffs, Neapolitan Mastiffs, Bernese Mountain Dogs, Sharpeis and many "designer" mixed breeds.

Just this week, Ohio House cleared a puppy mill bill this week that would crack down on high-volume dog breeding operations in Ohio. Ohio Senate Bill 130 proposes stronger regulations for large-scale operators which would include requiring businesses to have licenses and annual inspections. If enacted, breeders in the state would become more transparent and would be state regulated. The bill awaits another vote from the Senate before being enacted.

The Shelby County Animal Rescue Foundation (SCARF) are requesting donations for the medical care of the dogs. They are in immediate need of donations to help cover medical costs. Checks can be sent to SCARF at P.O. Box 671, Sidney, Ohio 45365.

Locals in the area are encouraged to donate much needed supplies this weekend to the temporary facility at Shelby County Fairgrounds horse barn (please do not call the Shelby County Fairgrounds). Much needed supplies include: bedding, rubbing alcohol, leashes, food bowls and canned puppy food.

If you would like to volunteer to help, please call the Shelby County Animal Shelter on Monday November 19, 2012 at 937.498.7201.

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