HSUS Providing Spay/Neuter Services for Dogs Rescued from Alleged TX Puppy Mill; Dogs, Cats, Horse Available for Adoption 6/14/2004
From: Lou Guyton, 972-488-2964, swro@hsus.org Karen L. Allanach, 301-548-7778, kallanach@hsus.org both of HSUS DALLAS, June 14 -- The Humane Society of the United States (HSUS) Spay/Neuter Clinic and Animal Wellness Center in Dallas is providing spay and neuter services to more than 120 dogs seized by the SPCA of Texas from a raid at an alleged puppy mill earlier this month. On June 2, The SPCA, in conjunction with Van Zandt County authorities, seized 301 animals from a large-scale dog breeding facility or alleged "puppy mill," in Wills Point, Texas, after the sheriff's department issued a warrant. In addition to 275 dogs (mostly small-breed), 17 cats, eight birds and one horse were also rescued. Twenty-six puppies, one dog and one horse were found dead on the property, according to the SPCA. This was the SPCA's second raid this year of a large-scale dog breeder and its largest raid to date. Mary Smith, the owner of the animals, faces possible animal cruelty charges in the case. At a hearing last Thursday, a Precinct 3 Justice of the Peace awarded the SPCA custody of the surviving animals, and the shelter is now having the dogs readied for adoption. The HSUS spayed or neutered 60 of the dogs on Friday and will continue those services on Tuesday, June 15. "Partnerships like this help us to rescue and save more animals," said Lou Guyton, director of The HSUS Southwest Regional Office. "At the Wills Point facility, hundreds of dogs were housed together in filthy conditions, in cages no larger than a rabbit hutch. The HSUS and SPCA are dedicated to helping rescue animals from similarly deplorable conditions at other facilities until these types of large-scale breeding facilities are shut down for good." The dogs will be made available for adoption during a three- day adoption event starting Thursday, June 17, from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. at the warehouse located at 170 Pittsburg, at the intersection of Industrial Blvd, near downtown Dallas. Breeds of dogs-both purebred and mixed-breeds-that will be available include: Great Dane, poodle (toy, miniature, standard), Chihuahua (short and long hair), Jack Russell terrier, rat terrier, Pomeranian, Maltese, border collie, pug, Sheltie, Pekingese, pointer, Chinese crested, Shi tzu, Lhasa apso, Yorkshire terrier, Australian terrier, larger terrier crosses, Brussels Griffon, Cocker spaniel, Miniature Picher and dachshund. Adoptions will be on a first-come, first-served basis, with a limit of two dogs per household, according to the SPCA. Only cash and credit cards will be accepted. Adoption fee is $185 per dog and includes spay/neuter surgery, age appropriate vaccinations, rabies tag, worming, microchip, behavior/training CD and free, 10-day health check up at participating veterinary clinics. Adopters must present valid picture ID. Renters must provide proof of pet deposit and pet policies of their place of residence. Adoption applications are also on-line at http://www.spca.org Cats will be available for adoption at the SPCA's Dallas location, 362 S. Industrial Blvd. The horse is available for adoption at the SPCA's McKinney location. The birds will be transferred to a local bird society. Call the SPCA of Texas at 214-651-9611 for more information. The HSUS Spay Neuter Clinic and Animal Wellness Center in Dallas, Texas, provides high-quality, low-cost services for dogs and cats while promoting overpopulation prevention education to the community. Tens of thousands of dogs and cats have been sterilized at the clinic and treated at the wellness center. Subsidized by donations, the clinic keeps charges low while providing the highest quality care for patients through the use of state-of-the-art methods and equipment. For more information on the clinic, call 214-372-9999. The Humane Society of the United States is the nation's largest animal protection organization with more than eight million members and constituents. The HSUS is a mainstream voice for animals, with active programs in companion animals and equine protection, wildlife and habitat protection, animals in research and farm animals and sustainable agriculture. The HSUS protects all animals through legislation, litigation, investigation, education, advocacy and fieldwork. The non-profit organization, which is celebrating its 50th anniversary in 2004, is based in Washington, DC and has 10 regional offices across the country. The HSUS Southwest Regional Office serves Arizona, New Mexico, Arkansas, Louisiana, Oklahoma and Texas. Visit http://www.hsus.org | |