Athens Review, Athens, Texas

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August 19, 2009

Area officials rescue abused animals

Humane Society of Cedar Creek Lake takes over care of dogs

From Staff Reports

A Kaufman County Justice of the Peace Monday ordered the owners of Klassie Kennel near Prairieville to forfeit more than 500 adult dogs and puppies seized in last week’s raid by the Humane Society of Cedar Creek Lake.

The raid was conducted in conjunction with the Kaufman County Sheriff's Department and the Humane Society of the United States.

According to HSCCL, on the Aug. 11, 534 dogs and 8 cats were rescued from “deplorable conditions” at the puppy mill located northeast of Mabank. The term “puppy mill” has been used to describe a commercial dog breeding operation where profit is given priority over the well-being of the dogs.

“This day marks a new beginning for these animals, who are suffering from a variety of serious health conditions and have been kept in constant confinement their entire lives, producing puppies for the profit of the mill owner,” said Scotlund Haisley, Senior Director of Emergency Services at The HSUS. “We applaud the Kaufman County Sheriff's Department for taking a stand against this abusive behavior, and allowing us to come in and rescue the animals.”

Shelter officials said they became aware of the animals four days earlier when Margaret Boyd walked into the HSCCL shelter and asked for food for her dogs because she could not afford to feed them. When asked how many dogs she had, Boyd reportedly said she had 400. Krista McAnally, HSCCL Shelter Director contacted the HSUS — which flew an investigator to North Texas. After the Humane Societies’ initial investigation, the Kaufman County Sherriff’s Department conducted its own investigation and successfully obtained a warrant to search.

During the hearing, Monday, before Precinct 1 Justice of the Peace Johnny Perry, the operators of the puppy mill claimed the animals were well-cared for and often exercised. The Humane Society presented a video to refute the operators.

According to rescuers, they found the mostly small breed puppies — including Chihuahuas, Poodles, Pomeranians, and others — were living in dreadful conditions.

“These conditions are consistent with amongst the worst puppy mill raids we've done,” said Haisley. “You can never imagine what it must be like to live in a cage, day after day, year after year, in your own urine and never have human compassion or a kind touch.”

All of the animals were transported to the Kaufman County Fairgrounds, where an emergency shelter was set up specifically for the rescue mission. Upon arrival to the shelter, the dogs and cats were checked by a team of veterinarians and given any necessary immediate medical care. In addition, the Kaufman County Sheriff's Department has been providing 24-hour security at the emergency shelter to ensure the safety of the rescued animals.

HSUS officials said various Rescue Groups around the country have been waiting for the court’s final ruling. With the favorable decision, they will begin transporting the animals to Colorado, Florida, and up to the northeastern parts of the U.S. to be cared for until they’re ready for adoption.

Humane Society officials said about 20 dogs delivered puppies this week and there are others from the mill that are due any day. The HSCCL has not yet made a decision on whether these dogs and newborn puppies can endure a long trip.

The HSCCL asks anyone interested in helping with the puppy mill rescue, to send an e-mail to dogshsccl@yahoo.com. In the subject line include what you’d like to do to help, such as donate time to the shelter, foster one or more of the dogs and/or litters, or interest in adopting. Include your name, address, and day and evening phone numbers, as well as any experience you’ve had caring for animals.

The HSCCL is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization operating solely on donations. They take in stray animals from the Cedar Creek Lake area and all of Kaufman County, with the exception of the city of Terrell. In 2008, the HSCCL took in over 3,000 animals and had a 38 percent adoption/rescue rate, which is higher than the national average of 35 percent.

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