(March 4, 2016) – Approximately 300 dogs and puppies were rescued from a suspected puppy mill in Madison 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. The HSUS received a tip via its puppy mill tip line and assisted the Madison County Sheriff’s Office in the rescue and removal of the animals, along with Saline County Humane Society, Madison County Pet Shelter, Animal League of Washington, RedRover and Jones Mobile Veterinary Service.
According to The HSUS, “The Madison County Sheriff’s Office served a search and seizure warrant on the property on March 3 and found that the animals were being housed in deplorable living conditions. 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.
“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 are assisting with the daily care of the animals, including feeding and socialization. Greater Good and Rescue Bank are providing the necessary food and medical supplies for the dogs.
RedRover has taken 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, the mission of RedRover is to bring animals out of crisis and strengthen the bond between people and animals through emergency sheltering, disaster relief services, financial assistance and education. Learn more at RedRover.org.
Media contact
Keleigh Friedrich
Communications Coordinator II
kfriedrich@RedRover.org
916.429.2457 ext. 317