(February 27, 2014) – One hundred twenty one dogs and more than 60 other animals were rescued from a suspected puppy mill in Jefferson County, Arkansas, after authorities discovered them living in filth and suffering from a lack of basic care.
RedRover®, a California-based nonprofit organization, has deployed volunteers to provide emergency care for the animals at the request of The Humane Society of the United States. Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office called in The Humane Society of the United States to assist in the rescue and removal the animals, along with Central Arkansas Rescue Efforts for Animals, The Humane Society of Saline County, Out of the Woods, RedRover and Sallis Ranch Large Animal Rescue, Inc.
According to The HSUS, “The sheriff’s office served a search warrant on the property and found that the animals were being housed in deplorable living conditions. Numerous dogs were living in an outdoor facility, while others were confined inside trailers on the property. Many of the animals were living in feces and filth and did not have access to clean water or food.”
Distinguished by their red shirts, RedRover Responders volunteers are specially trained to care for and shelter large numbers of animals after they have been rescued from cruelty and neglect. RedRover volunteers provide the workforce, free of charge, to enable animal rescue groups and law enforcement agencies to respond to large-scale animal rescue cases.
In addition, rescuers found more than 60 other animals, including 11 exotic birds, 19 chickens, 20 horses and multiple cats, bunnies and turtles on the property. Some of the animals were in need of immediate medical care, others were underweight, suffering from eye conditions and dental problems.
“It’s heartbreaking to know the conditions that these animals suffered through,” said Beth Gammie, Emergency Services Manager for RedRover. “We’re thankful for the opportunity to help give the animals a second chance at happy lives.”
All of the animals have been removed from the property and are being safely cared for at the emergency sheltering operation, where they will be examined by a team of veterinarians and receive any necessary immediate medical treatment. RedRover Responders volunteers will be responsible for the daily care of the animals, including feeding and socialization. PetSmart Charities is providing the necessary food, supplies and enrichment items for the dogs.
RedRover is taking a stand against puppy mills with its “Opt to Adopt” campaign: Puppies born in puppy mills are often seriously sick, poorly socialized and have hereditary and congenital defects from being bred carelessly. When you make a choice to adopt a dog from your local shelter or a rescue group, you are not only saving an animal’s life — you are choosing not to support puppy mills. Read RedRover’s top five reasons to adopt instead of buy: www.RedRover.org/puppymills
About RedRover
Founded in 1987, RedRover focuses on bringing animals out of crisis and strengthening the bond between people and animals through emergency sheltering, disaster relief services, financial assistance and education. Learn more at RedRover.org.
Media contact
Leili Khalessi
Marketing and Communications Manager
lkhalessi@RedRover.org
916.429.2457 ext. 314