By: Cheryl Hanna
From: Examiner.com
The Humane Society of the United States Animal Rescue Team, the Humane Society of Charlotte, and the Edgefield County Sheriff’s Office removed 200 dogs, 9 horses and 40 birds from a suspected puppy mill property on Tuesday at Holmes Pond Road, Johnston, S.C. The owner of the property, Callie Abel was arrested on several charges of animal cruelty.
According to globalanimal.org, Chihuahuas, Yorkies, golden retrievers, and Doberman pinschers were being sold over the Internet under the business name of Calabel’s Designer Dogs. Their web site states:
“Hi folks. I have this little site to show you some of my critters and share with you news and information concerning our pets. I also have included lots of pictures on the Photo pages of dogs, pups, cats and farm animals of ours past and present. I do NOT put pups for sale on these pages. I advertise pups for sale on several online services and simply direct people here for more information.”
The Animal Welfare Act only applies to the welfare of dogs commercially bred, however lacks authority over facilities that sell directly to the public including animals sold via the Internet.
President and CEO of The Humane Society of the United States, Wayne Pacelle described the egregious conditions as volunteers and humane specialists removed the dogs from outdoor rabbit hutches full of feces, filthy water, and little or no food. The stench of urine permeated the air as matted, emaciated and sick dogs wagged their tales in anticipation of what might have been their first taste of freedom and compassion.
An emergency shelter was set up to help the animals who have since been moved to Columbia.
Earlier this year the Obama administration issued a United States Department of Agriculture proposal to mandate inspections and federal licensing of Internet puppy mills thus expanding the authority of the Animal Welfare Act. Please click here for additional information and how you can help.
No information has been released as to when the dogs and puppies will be available for adoption.
Read more: Examiner.com
