Several of the dogs rescued from a puppy mill up north are ready for a new home.
The ASPCA has been caring for the dogs since they were taken from a breeding facility in Mio near Gaylord in December. The dogs have been given medical treatment and behavioral assessments--- and range in age from a few months to ten years old and span a variety of breeds--- including Schnauzers and Bull Dogs.
Those interested in adoption should call the Roscommon County Animal shelter at (989) 366-0260. All interested adopters will be asked to fill out an adoption application before coming to the shelter. Once applications are reviewed, the shelter will contact applicants to schedule appointments to discuss their home environments as well as their capability to care for the animal, particularly if it has special needs.
Just last week, the owners of the breeding facility pled guilty to animal cruelty charges. The dogs had been kept in small cages in filthy conditions--- with no access to food and water.
The director of the shelter is asking interested in adopting to keep an open mind.
“We’re thrilled to finally get these dogs into homes,” said Terry MacKillop, director of Roscommon County Animal Shelter. “Most of the dogs are not puppies, but the parents who were used for breeding and kept at the mill for years. They’ve suffered a great deal and are ready to finally be pets”.
Michigan is among a minority of states where puppy mills are unregulated. The ASPCA urges state lawmakers to pass H.4898, a bill that would require large-scale dog breeders to register with the Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development, and to follow guidelines that would help ensure the humane treatment of dogs in these facilities. For more information about puppy mills and how to fight animal cruelty, join the ASPCA Advocacy Brigade at www.aspca.org.
“Today marks a new beginning for these dogs,” said Tim Rickey, vice president of the ASPCA Field Investigations & Response team. “While these dogs are getting a happy ending, we can’t ignore the fact that there are so many other dogs still suffering in puppy mills across Michigan. This is one of the few states with no regulations to protect dogs in breeding facilities. We need lawmakers to take action.”
