About 120 dogs will be available for adoption at North Shore Animal League America this weekend following their rescue from 14 “puppy mills” in Missouri.
North Shore experts, who received the dogs from National Mill Dog Rescue on Monday night, will evaluate the dogs medically, behaviorally and socially. They’ll be spayed or neutered before they’re offered for adoption, starting on Saturday.
“Mill dogs can be used for breeding, and if they are not able to be used they are prepared for auction for as little as 25 cents or put down” by puppy mill operators, said Joanne Yohannan of North Shore.
The breeds include Yorkshire terrier, Cavalier King Charles spaniel, poodle, bichon frise, cocker spaniel and Pomeranian. They range in age from 8 months to 10 years old.
The rescue groups say the animals suffered in crowded commercial breeding operations but will become socialized with a little love from a caring owner.
“If you adopt one of these dogs…tell their story,” said Theresa Strader, director of the rescue group. “The education of the dog’s story is enough to put an end to the puppy mill violence.”
Yohannan said any family that adopts one of these dogs will have full support from North Shore as they offer custom mill dog training and follow ups.