More than 50 small and medium-sized dogs were recently rescued from a suspected puppy mill in St. Landry Parish, Louisiana. Since St. Landry has one of the lowest income rates in the state, St. Landry Parish Animal Control representatives reached out to the Houston Humane Society for help with the rescued dogs, who were reportedly living in their own feces with little to no care.
Many of the dogs are pregnant and most are also suffering from severe periodontal disease, skin issues, eye issues, and a variety of other problems stemming from long-term neglect. When the dogs arrived at the shelter late in the afternoon on Wednesday, July 19, a dedicated team of veterinarians, vet techs, shelter staff, and volunteers began the lengthy process of unloading the dogs, beginning medical evaluations, administering critical care, and helping the dogs take the first steps on their long road to recovery. Houston Humane Society’s Monica Schmidt said:
“They’ve been through so much, and most of them were trying to lick our hands as we were bringing the carriers in. They still have trust in humans even after what humans have done to them.”
According to Schmidt:
“These animals were considered a resource, a way for these people to just make money. They weren’t treated as a family pet. They weren’t treated as a part of a home or family life. They were in outdoor kennel runs. I saw pictures: they were covered in feces, horrible filthy areas, and it’s just sad that they’ve been in neglect for so long.”
Because all of these dogs must be spayed or neutered and socialized, they aren’t ready for adoption quite yet. Anyone interested in adopting or fostering one of the dogs when they are ready is asked to fill out an application online. Donations can also be made on the HHS website.
We’re just glad that the nightmare is over for these poor dogs, and are grateful that they’re finally learning what it’s like to be loved and cared for.
