FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

The Humane Society of the United States Assists in Indiana Puppy Mill Rescue

 (Dec. 1, 2010) — More than 100 dogs saved from a Bloomfield, Ind. puppy mill are now on their way to better lives thanks to the efforts of local authorities, area humane organizations and The Humane Society of the United States, which acted as the lead animal welfare organization in this rescue mission.

“Today marks a new, happy beginning for the approximately 100 dogs rescued from a life of confinement and continual forced breeding,” said Anne Sterling, Indiana state director for The HSUS. “The Humane Society of the United States is grateful for all of the local support on this rescue, especially to Pets Alive Spay Neuter Clinic, which has allowed us to set up the temporary shelter in their clinic. These dogs are being given a second chance thanks to the dedicated efforts of everyone involved.”

According to a statement from the Attorney General’s office, the operation enforces Indiana’s sales-tax-evasion laws. The case began when the Attorney General’s office received a complaint that the property owners bred dogs and sold the puppies for hundreds of dollars each, but failed to collect or remit sales taxes to the State of Indiana as required by law. The initial consumer who complained bought a pug puppy who was sick and died shortly after he was purchased. State investigators served a tax jeopardy assessment to the owner of the Greene County property. The puppies of these dogs were sold to unsuspecting consumers through newspaper ads and over the Internet.

When responders arrived on the property they found overcrowded and unsanitary conditions. Several breeds of dogs were present including Maltese, Shih Tzus, pugs and poodles. They were housed in small wire cages and runs inside a dirty mobile home. Some dogs were denied proper veterinary care and socialization as is typical in puppy mills.

The HSUS is transporting all of the dogs to a temporary shelter set up by United Animal Nations in space generously provided by the Pets Alive Spay Neuter Clinic. The animals will be checked over by a team of veterinarians and receive any necessary medical care. Much-needed supplies were provided by PetSmart Charities®. The dogs will be cared for by UAN and The HSUS until they are transported to humane organizations around the region where they will be available for adoption.

Organizations Providing Assistance Include:

·         United Animal Nations

·         Pets Alive Spay Neuter Clinic

·         Pet Refuge (will have dogs available for adoption)

·         Linda’s Camp K9 (will have dogs available for adoption)

·         Casa Del Toro 

·         Honey Creek Animal Hospital

·         Bloomington Animal Care & Control 

·         New Albany Floyd County Animal Shelter (will have dogs available for adoption)  

·         Monroe County Humane Association 

·         Southlane Veterinary Hospital 

·         Bloomington Cat Hospital

This operation is made possible in part from funding provided to The HSUS by Maddie’s Fund, which funded the Maddie’s Fund Puppy Mill Task Force to rescue animals from abusive puppy mills.

To schedule a time to visit the temporary shelter or receive broadcast-quality video and photos from this rescue reach out to the media contact below.

Media Contact: Jordan Crump, 240-654-2964, jcrump@humanesociety.org