The Johnston County Sheriff’s Office teamed up with The Humane Society of the United States to rescue over 150 neglected and sick dogs from two puppy mills in Milburn, Oklahoma. Reports say authorities carried out the large-scale rescue after receiving complaints about the suspected puppy mills. Shockingly, one of the puppy mill operators had listed puppies for sale on the American Kennel Club’s website.
150+ puppies and adult dogs confiscated from Oklahoma puppy mill raid
According to KXII News, Johnston County police officers and Humane Society inspectors on Monday, Mar. 11, raided the two separate residential properties where the breeders carried out their puppy mill operations. Unfortunately, they discovered more than 150 adult dogs and puppies kept in unsanitary conditions.
Some dogs were living in crowded outdoor pens without any protection from the harsh weather elements. Authorities seized all the animals from the properties and transported them to an undisclosed location. They’re currently receiving medical treatment and care.
Veterinarians established the dogs had varying health problems, including eye issues and skin infections. Sadly, one of the puppies had developed respiratory distress and needed emergency treatment.
Cynthia Armstrong, the Oklahoma state director for the Humane Society, commented on the rescue. She told KFOR News, “It’s a bleak existence for these dogs — no one would want to live like this.” Continuing, Armstrong noted, “We are grateful to the Johnston County Sheriff’s Office for intervening on behalf of these animals and getting them the care they need.”
Moreover, Armstrong cautioned the public to be wary of “dogs for sale“.
“Consumers continue to purchase those dogs thinking and wanting to believe that they’ve been raised in a happy healthy pastoral setting, where every need is attended to,” Armstrong shared. “What you’re doing in actuality is keeping these large breeding operations going in perpetuity. So I would encourage the public to adopt if you can, from a rescue organization or your local animal shelter,” she added.
