More Than 100 Dogs Rescued From Oklahoma Puppy Mill

NewsOn6.com

BRISTOW, OK -- Oklahoma rescue groups say they've saved more than 100 dogs from deplorable conditions at a breeding facility in Oklahoma County.

Many of the dogs were taken to Bristow Thursday evening.

It wasn't a bust or a raid - but strictly a matter of the bottom line.  When profits plunged, the breeder shut down his puppy factory - and called animal advocates.

Caring volunteers are trying to make sure the animals don't become more casualties of our down economy.

"Dear God, please take care of these babies," a rescuer prayed during Thursday's rescue of puppy mill dogs in Oklahoma County.

"This was a massive, you know, amount of dogs," said Kiley Roberson of the Tulsa Humane Society.

The job was so big that Bristow's PAWS teamed up with the Oklahoma Animal Alliance and the Humane Society of Tulsa.

"We're going take 15 to 20 Chihuahuas back to the Humane Society of Tulsa, get them all worked up, healthy, checked and find them good homes," said Kiley Roberson of the Tulsa Humane Society.

"Most Oklahomans are appalled by this," said animal advocate Ruth Steinberger.

"It's all right, baby. We're going to get you saved," one volunteer tells a rescued dog.

"It's sad.  It's just sad.  And it makes me angry," said Shannon Adams of Because of You Chihuahua Rescue.

"More and more of these places are turning over their dogs because sales are down.  When the economy is crummy somebody doesn't go, 'oh, I lost my job, I'll go buy a poodle,'" Steinberger said.

The breeder had so many dogs, he lost count. As rescuers cleared out his entire inventory, they counted 103 - all in need of special attention.

"These dogs are in terrible conditions.  The ones that went in there, the Shih Tzus are matted and crippled.  They've got no eyes. They've been in urine.  They're terrible," said Shannon Adams of Because of You Chihuahua Rescue.

"Some of these females have probably not seen very much daylight.  Their nails are long. They're missing fur. They are bred each time they come into season," Steinberger said.

"This is sad.  I mean, they're scared; they're nasty; they're dirty," said Adams. "This shouldn't be allowed."

Volunteers unloaded a trailer full of crates - even more in the bed of the truck. Others inside have regained their playful attitudes.

That's step one in finding these dogs new families - after the puppy mill.

A bill to crack down on Oklahoma's puppy mills is being considered in the state legislature. It's cleared the senate and a house committee.

It just needs to pass the full state House before going to the governor.