WASHINGTON – Earlier this week, the Washington Animal Rescue League took in 102 dogs and puppies from a puppy mill in western Arkansas.
More than 100 dogs were found at the Happy Times Kennel in Arkansas where the owner was hit with three felony counts of animal cruelty.
But where will the dogs and puppies who were seized from the puppy mill end up?
Dr. Gary Weitzman, a veterinarian and CEO at the League says there’s a process the dogs go through.
“We’ll get them all assessed in our medical center, make sure they’re ready to go ho me. Then our trainers get them. That actually takes more time than you think,” he says.
Weitzman says dogs from puppy mills typically have very little interaction with humans. They are often simply put in crates and bred constantly.
Some have never even walked outside a crate or cage. They may never have been indoors, and most have no idea what a leash is.
“So these animals who’ve never been pets before have to learn how to be dogs,” he says.
But a first look at the dogs that came off the truck showed many to be friendly and eager to please. One dog even gave kisses to the vet who examined her.
“These are wonderful dog. How sociable they often are in spite of the way they’ve been treated,” Weitzman says.
He understands if people have their hearts set on getting purebred dogs, but he says you must watch out that you’re not buying from a puppy mill like the one these dogs came from.
Among the signs you’re dealing with a puppy mill: They are internet only; They don’t ask questions about the suitability of your home; and they seem more concerned about verifying your credit card information than matching you with the right dog.
“Run, run from that and please run to your shelter too,” Weitzman says. “Do not support puppy mills. Help us close this absolutely horrific situation down.”
But for these dogs, this is a happy holiday.
“This is a Christmas gift to us. New lives and new homes,” he says.
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WTOP’s Kate Ryan contributed to this report. Follow Kate and WTOP on Twitter.
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