Note: I did not write this article, this was written by Sandra Emerson, and all credit goes to her for telling the story about where my dog came from.
Inland Valley Daily Bulletin (Ontario, CA)
December 1, 2011
Section: News
Beagles rescued from puppy mill up for adoption
Sandra Emerson, Staff Writer
UPLAND - Beagles, beagles, beagles. More than a dozen beagles are
available for adoption at the Upland Animal Shelter after Chino
Hills-based animal rescue charity Priceless Pets rescued more than 130
beagles from a puppy mill in Victorville.
The dogs still waiting to find that perfect family range in age from 2 years old to about 8.
"It's these ones that really, really have to have that good home
because of the conditions they've been living in up to now. It's really
sad," said Jon Knowlton, animal services supervisor. "It'll be nice for
them to get into nice caring homes for life."
Priceless Pets, founded by Charles and Lisa Price, has been rescuing dogs from shelters and homes over the last decade.
When they heard about the puppy mill in Victorville they knew they needed to step in.
A neighboring property owner discovered the beagles when watching the owner's horse when they were out of town.
"Basically (animal control) knew of him for several years," Price said.
"A call had been made out of that facility, but due to politics
unfortunately they weren't able to get the proper warrants and things to
get in and inspect the facility."
When the Prices heard about
the situation they tried to help the property owner with the dogs. He
eventually agreed to sell them the 20-acre property, dogs included.
"This gentleman had a typical hoarder mentality," Price said. "No one
was good enough for his animals. We found out doing this for 17 years.
No telling how many animals he's done this to."
The dogs were kept in chicken coops. There were only a few male dogs that would go from coop to coop mating with the females.
Some of the dogs were suffering from a range of medical conditions
including mammary tumors, dental disease and intestinal parasites.
"They were so full of illness. They were breeding the heck out of them
still," Price said. "There was no rhyme or reason to what they were
doing."
The medical conditions for a few of the beagles was so
bad they had to be euthanized, but the rest were given treatment and a
clean bill of health.
The Upland Animal Shelter's partnership
with Western University of Health Sciences in Pomona also came into play
during the massive rescue.
They were able to provide spay and neuter services to the rescue.
"We would do it again," Knowlton said. "It's a matter of helping the
animals in need, and these pets really did need some extra help at this
time."
Beagles - perhaps the most popular beagle being Snoopy
from the Peanuts comic by Charles Schulz - are great family dogs, Price
said.
"If you've never owned a hound, they're very sent driven," Price said. "They love to keep their nose on the ground."
Beagles have a tendency to get bored, so Price recommends owners make sure their hounds have plenty of exercise.
Healthwise, beagles are notorious for having dirty ears and some are susceptible to eye infections.
"All in all they're not a very high maintenance dog provided you do the
daily hygiene," Price said. "They're just a wonderful family pet."
The adoptable beagles can be viewed on the Upland Animal Services website as well as Priceless Pets' website at www.pricelesspetrescue.org
These are pictures from Priceless Pet Rescue's facebook page:
Almost half a dozen puppies (4-7 mos) were found living like this |
Many are thin |
Damage to paws from the chicken wire boxes they were living in! |
The medical conditions of the seniors is HEARTBREAKING! |
Her tumor is almost the size of a grapefruit |
These are the adult living quarters |
This is where the momma and puppies live |
Very thin adult female |
Ready for new homes |
Injuries found on puppies |
First adoption for Operation a Better Life! |
Wow, how heartbreaking that Lyna and SO MANY others had to endure that! Thank God for people like the Prices who have the hearts AND the resources to step in and help. And thank God for people like you who give these dogs a brand-new Home!
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