That’s how many dogs were rescued from a North Carolina puppy mills since June. It is good news for those dogs, but for countless others who continue to spend their lives breeding in the estimated 250 to 300 inhumane, commercial breeding facilities in the state, these rescues have not helped.
About 150 dogs were rescued from a Stokes County puppy mill earlier this month with the help of law enforcement officials and HSUS . The owner was allegedly selling his puppies over the Internet, allowing him to escape federal regulation. Since there are no state laws regulating breeders in North Carolina, he was not required to have a license at all.
The conditions at the Stokes County operation were grim. The dogs that managed to survive were malnourished, matted, caked in dirt and feces, and suffering from medical problems from being crammed into tiny cages for their whole lives and forced to breed continuously without sufficient food and water. The only reason officials were able to rescue these dogs, and others in previous raids, is because the situation rose to the level of animal cruelty. It should have been stopped long before.
As tragic as all of these situations are, it is my sincere hope that this will help facilitate change in our state. For too long, commercial breeders have operated unchecked, which has allowed situations, like this most current one, to occur. It is time for lawmakers in our state to stand up and pass legislation to prevent this from happening again.
If you want to adopt a puppy or dog, please consider your local animal shelter. There are always deserving dogs and cats looking for good homes. In Vance County the shelter is located at 165 Vance Academy Road, or call 252-492-3136. Adoptable pets are shown on Facebook under Ruin Creek Animal Protection Society.
Animal shelters can often help if you’re looking for a purebred, or you can search online for the breed rescue groups. Please consider saving a life instead of unknowingly perpetuating cruelty.
Peggy Satterwhite
Vance County SPCA
I love dogs, cats not as much but have both. Did you know that Pit Bulls were considered a “nanny” dog before all the highlights of dog fighting? Remember the dog on Spanky and Our Gang? They’re great dogs and will protect you, your children and property. And even better … dogs will love you just for who you are and help relieve stress. Enjoy your pet! They will sure enjoy you!
All God’s creations deserve love. My three cherished dogs enhance my life and give me comfort when no others can. Though I haven’t needed the extra warmth this winter, last winter I had plenty of ‘three dog nights’. Not to be irreverant, God spelled backwards is dog. We are all God’s creatures.
God’s creatures indeed, they’re wonderful examples of His unconditional love. and I believe we are to give back that love by being their caregivers. It’s amazing how many lives they can bring love into the lives of people that have never known any love at all, like the prisoners who train them for disabled veterans.
Not all dog breeders are cruel, irresponsible, abusive people. A few of us treat our dogs like family, feed and house them as well as we ourselves are fed and housed (sometimes better), and selectively breed the very best examples of our chosen breed.
Of course, for those of us who do operate that way, raising the dogs becomes expensive. But people want a $200 yorkie-poo-a-****-zu, not a well-bred, trainable, useful dog. Heartworm preventative, vaccines, worming, x-rays – all of this is expensive, and contributes to the cost of a well-bred animal.
Reputable breeding is given a horrible name by some bad apples, absolutely. But please do not judge all of us by them.