56 Arkansas Puppies Taken from Out-of State S.U.V.

 

Rancho Santa Fe, CA – 56 mixed-breed puppies removed from an Arkansas S.U.V. will stay in California . The pups were taken by authorities from what is believed to be a puppy mill operator who allegedly transported them from Arkansas to California with the intention of selling them here.

“The puppies seem to be various mixes of Boston Terrier, Maltese, and Jack Russell Terrier,” says Helen Woodward Animal Center ( HWAC) Adoption Manager LaBeth Thompson. “ County of San Diego Department of Animal Services (SDDAS) transferred 13 of them to Helen Woodward Animal Center with 43 more going to other groups.”

Thompson says the puppies that arrived at HWAC appear to be in good health in spite of their ordeal. “I was told that some of the others taken from the Arkansas man were not quite so fortunate. Some of them barely weighed 2 pounds and had medical issues including deformed legs. This type of thing is not uncommon in puppy mill puppies.”

HWAC spokesman John Van Zante says that the Center cautions families about this type of thing constantly, but the words of warning go unheard. “This is a perfect example. The two largest puppy mill states in the country are Arkansas and Missouri. We believe that someone bred these puppies in Arkansas then packed as many as he could into his S.U.V. and drove them to California with the intention of selling them to unsuspecting families. The buyers would have no idea they were supporting the puppy mill industry.”

The 13 puppies that were transferred to Helen Woodward Animal Center will receive extensive medical exams including up to date vaccinations and be altered before becoming available for adoption. Van Zante says that, if all goes well, the puppies may be ready to go live with their new families in about a week.

“Remember that, at any one time, there are about 1,000 orphaned dogs and cats waiting for their new families to find them at our area animal shelters and rescue groups. They all need families. Don’t wait for one of these puppies. Visit the shelter or rescue group nearest you and take your new pet home today.”

For more information call 868-756-4117, visit Helen Woodward Animal Center at 6461 El Apajo Road in Rancho Santa Fe.