News
Tennessee “Designer Dogs” Saved From Puppy Mill
February 20, 2009, 3:48PM MT
By Cheri Moon
Citizens Tip Leads Authorities to the Rescue
Citizens Tip Leads Authorities to the Rescue
By Barbara Forcier, Best Friends Network Volunteer
Lots of TLC greeted over 250 so called “Designer Dogs” as they were rescued from a Tennessee puppy mill on Feb. 11, 2009.
The dogs living in the mill owned by Gary and Heidi Holland languished in disease, cramped quarters, and filth. Immediate on-scene-medical-attention was provided by the ASPCA for animals in critical conditions while the less serious cases were transported to local veterinarians.
The dogs—all small breeds under 20 pounds including Boston and Jack Russell terriers, Pomeranians, Shih Tzus, Chihuahuas, poodles, Dachshunds, miniature Pinschers and Schnauzers—were brought to the attention of the White County Humane Society by a prospective puppy buyer.
The White County Sheriff’s Department enlisted the ASPCA’s support for the operational phase of the case. The dogs will receive much needed health care and put up for adoption.
A Brighter Future
Adopters of these neglected dogs will have some very special rewards that can only be described at miraculous— witnessing tiny paws touch grass for the first time, or running in the snow.
A consumer protection bill addressing puppy mills has been introduced in the Senate by Senator Doug Jackson (D-Dickson), and companion legislation in the House of Representatives was introduced by Debra Maggart (R-Hendersonville) and Janis Sontany (D-Nashville).
How You Can Help
? Support the organizations who took in these dogs.
• All American Dachshund Rescue
• ASPCA NY
• DREAM Dachshund Rescue
• Georgia South Paw Rescue
? Read about the Tennessee Commercial Breeders Act SB 0258 by Jackson (H.B. 0386 by Sontany).
? If you live in Tennessee, contact your legislators to support humane legislation
• Senate Members
• House Members
Stock photo by Clay Myers, Best Friends Staff
Posted by Cheri Moon, Best Friends Staff
**Best Friends Animal Society has not taken a position of support or opposition to this piece of legislation. For more information on how animal legislation is reported on the Best Friends Network, click here.