A few weeks ago, HSNI took in 12 dogs from a Taylor County puppy mill that was voluntarily shutting down because it could no longer meet USDA inspection standards. Last Friday, the Humane Society of North Iowa took in another group of 20 dogs from a Story County puppy mill. This particular breeder is shutting down their operations due to personal health issues.
“We were made aware of the situation through a request for help with placement from Mary LaHay, the Director of the organization Iowa Voters for Companion Animals”, explained HSNI’s Executive Director Sybil Soukup. “We made direct contact with the breeder and offered to help her out by taking some of the dogs. We were able to take 20 and she was quite happy that we could help out as she knew we will work hard to make sure they all get good homes.”
The 20 dogs are all young, small breed dogs and includes: Yorkies, Cavalier mixes, and lots of Dachshunds. “More than half of the dogs we took in are Dachshunds. The Doxie lovers out there really should come see the large variety we have available right now at the shelter,” said Soukup.
Based on the condition of the dogs, the Humane Society of North Iowa is deducting that this was a smaller breeding facility. The dogs do not have the telltale signs of being housed in wire-floored cages such as: splayed toes, cracked footpads, and stained fur around their feet. The dogs seem very used to human touch and are very social. All the dogs are in good health and have excellent personalities and temperaments. Each dog will require spay or neuter surgery before they will be available for adoption from the Humane Society of North Iowa, but applications are being accepted now.
“This particular breeder obviously took very good care of her dogs. She has been the exception to what we’ve typically seen with other puppy mill and breeding dogs we’ve taken in the past at our shelter,” said Soukup. “I’m glad we are able to help in these types of situations, but there are still over 23,000 breeding dogs in Iowa’s puppy mill industry that remain helpless. And there are thousands of dogs in shelters just like mine all waiting to be rescued. When folks are looking to add a new friend to the family, I encourage them please, don’t shop…adopt!”
The Humane Society of North Iowa is a non-profit organization that serves a 9 county area in North Iowa and operates a no-kill rescue animal shelter in Mason City.
