Source: Times Mail, By Marcela Creps, Oct 14, 2008
BLOOMINGTON — Despite years of living in a puppy mill, Pumpkin still rubbed her nose against a city of Bloomington Animal Shelter cage to lick a visitor’s hand.
The 7-year-old black Labrador is one of 11 dogs seized in a puppy mill bust and brought to Bloomington for treatment at the animal shelter.
Representatives of Indiana State Police, the Humane Society of the United States, Sullivan County Sheriff’s Department, U.S. Department of Agriculture and other agencies descended on a Sullivan County home Wednesday. Officials found more than 200 dogs, cats, horses and other animals living in horrific conditions. The animals suffered from a number of conditions, including open sores, broken bones, emaciation and rotted teeth, according to Sarah Hayes, CEO of the Monroe County Humane Association.
Hayes said she got a first-hand look at the puppy mill after the raid. She said the dogs were in small cages which were blocked so the animals had to look up to see out. Hayes said many probably had never been outside their cages or felt solid ground beneath their paws.
Local veterinarian Dr. Lauren Bowling of the Bloomington Cat Hospital was among the volunteers who evaluated the animals. The exams showed 67 animals needed urgent care, including 52 dogs, 10 horses, four cats and a goat. The animals have been transferred to a variety of humane organizations, with 11 dogs making a trip to Bloomington for treatment and eventual adoption.
Hayes said Pumpkin was the animal that nearly brought her to tears. When investigators opened Pumpkin’s cage, the dog ran directly to Hayes and buried her snout in Hayes’ lap.
“It’s those moments that can feel good,” Hayes said.
The other dogs include Lilac, a 5-year-old rat terrier with four puppies named Lauren, Anne, J.P. and Jason. Today, the 6-week-old puppies playfully nipped at their mother, who seemed leery of strangers.
In another caged area, a 5-year-old mixed terrier named Grace jumped up to greet visitors. Her three puppies, Sam, Hope and Miracle, had just opened their eyes over the weekend. The all-black puppies were a contrast to Grace’s honey-colored fur, leaving shelter workers to wonder if the puppies were indeed hers.
Another terrier-mix dog, Irene, was getting spayed today and will be ready for adoption this week. Pumpkin is also ready for adoption, while the other dogs need to get a little older before they can find new homes.
Most of the dogs were suffering some skin disorders and had other issues, according to Laurie Ringquist, director of the city of Bloomington Animal Shelter. While petting Pumpkin, Ringquist showed where the collar had left a mark on the dog’s neck.
“She’s probably had litter after litter,” Ringquist said.
Hayes said officials had been aware of the mill for a long time. The Indiana State Police in Terre Haute acted on complaints and went there with a warrant last week. Hayes said the owner allowed officials onto the property, where they found dogs, cats, birds, goats, miniature ponies and horses.
Ringquist said it is unusual for someone to have so many different types of animals. Puppy mills usually focus on dogs. Of the other types of animals, one pony had an untreated broken hip, but it still was forced to breed. Another horse was missing an eye. The goat was severely malnourished, Hayes said.
Authorities were only able to take the animals who were in serious need. The owner voluntarily relinquished the animals, which speeds up the adoption process. The remaining animals were left with the owner, who has not been charged.
Hayes said Sullivan County is one of 27 counties in Indiana without a humane society or an animal shelter.
State laws in Indiana give officials no right to take animals unless they are deemed neglected and in need of urgent care. Hayes said that because the owner didn’t sell directly to pet stores, there are no inspection requirements.
“The sad thing is, this woman still has plenty of breeding stock,” Ringquist said.
Hayes said puppy mill owners typically don’t view animals the way pet owners do.
“It’s a different mentality. It’s a product,” Hayes said. “This to them is a product. It’s money.”
Hayes said that in order for puppy mills to be shut down, better laws are needed. She encouraged the public to speak out and encourage elected officials to strengthen cruelty codes and laws. She said it is hard to determine how many puppy mills are in Indiana, since many stay underground.
Ringquist also encouraged people to adopt rather than shop. She said someone interested in a specific breed of dog needs to ask lots of questions about the animal’s origins and ask to see the dog’s parents and visit the breeder’s home.
“A reputable breeder is going to be proud of their lines,” she said.
Ringquist said they are seeking foster parents to get the nursing mothers and their litters into temporary homes. She hopes that time in a quiet home will help Lilac come out of her shell. On the other hand, Grace is an exuberant dog who simply needs to wait until her puppies are weaned before she can be adopted.
“She’s been like that since moment one,” Hayes said of the mixed terrier.
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