An Iowa breeder surrendered hundreds of dogs to animal rescuers this week. Countryside Kennels near Nashua in north central Iowa voluntarily shut down operations. Tonight, close to 300 puppy mill dogs are at their temporary homes at shelters across the state.
"If a dog breeder is going out of business and they want to turn to the adoption facilities for obviously we're gonna be there," says Animal Rescue League Executive Director Tom Colvin. He headed up the rescue effort at Countryside Kennels. Colvin says the animals are in good condition. "I think it all comes to the fact though that they were still living pretty much for the sole purpose of breeding," he says.
The move comes one week after the Governor signed a new puppy mill bill. The new law gives state officials the authority to inspect large scale puppy breeding facilities when there is a complaint. "We don't want to oversell this as being a direct result of it, but certainly it is a component and quite frankly in my opinion, it's a welcome component," says Colvin.
The Des Moines shelter is caring for more than 60 dogs. The rest will be adopted from shelters across the state. "You do get attached, you feel bad for them. You know where they've been and of course they've been through a lot with the transport and being put here, but life will get better for them," says ARL volunteer Robyn Dobernecker. She came from Davenport to help the displaced dogs.
Some of the pets will be available for adoption as early as next week. The ARL is asking for cash and food donations to care for the puppy mill dogs. People are asked to send donations marked "help for the puppy mill dogs" to the Animal Rescue League at 5452 NE 22nd Street, Des Moines Iowa 50313. You will find more information at arl-iowa.org.
"If a dog breeder is going out of business and they want to turn to the adoption facilities for obviously we're gonna be there," says Animal Rescue League Executive Director Tom Colvin. He headed up the rescue effort at Countryside Kennels. Colvin says the animals are in good condition. "I think it all comes to the fact though that they were still living pretty much for the sole purpose of breeding," he says.
The move comes one week after the Governor signed a new puppy mill bill. The new law gives state officials the authority to inspect large scale puppy breeding facilities when there is a complaint. "We don't want to oversell this as being a direct result of it, but certainly it is a component and quite frankly in my opinion, it's a welcome component," says Colvin.
The Des Moines shelter is caring for more than 60 dogs. The rest will be adopted from shelters across the state. "You do get attached, you feel bad for them. You know where they've been and of course they've been through a lot with the transport and being put here, but life will get better for them," says ARL volunteer Robyn Dobernecker. She came from Davenport to help the displaced dogs.
Some of the pets will be available for adoption as early as next week. The ARL is asking for cash and food donations to care for the puppy mill dogs. People are asked to send donations marked "help for the puppy mill dogs" to the Animal Rescue League at 5452 NE 22nd Street, Des Moines Iowa 50313. You will find more information at arl-iowa.org.
