51 Dogs Seized in Puppy Mill Bust

GOLDEN VALLEY, Minn. - Fifty-one dogs were seized in rural Minnesota and taken to Golden Valley Humane Society. The Animal Humane Society says this latest seizure is yet another example why state laws are not good enough.

The case, only identified as a rural Minnesota puppy mill, was run by a couple, Humane Agent Keith Streff says, who let it get out of control for years. Dogs were in crates, living in their own filth.

Streff says this is common in Minnesota because there is little, if any oversight. Nearly all of the dogs need some kind of surgery, nearly all need grooming, for matted hair and unhealthy skin.

Many of them need training. Dogs that were only used to breed are often unfamiliar with everything.

The Animal Humane Society is hoping the legislature passes the puppy mill legislation because of the amount of work and conditions they encounter. So far, this legislation has failed to advance.

The legislation would require breeders to get an annual license and pass an inspection to get it, so breeders can't let things get out of hand.

Currently in Minnesota, you need a license to give a haircut, and you don't to breed puppies. Some of those dogs are now available for adoption at all five Animal Humane Society locations. Others are still in the rehabilitation phase.

Animal Humane Society
http://www.animalhumanesociety.org/node/3232