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It’s heartbreaking to think of all the animals who have to spent their lives in cruel breeding facilities. Too many dogs are bred in “puppy mills,” often suffering in poor overcrowded conditions.
Thankfully, there have been more and more efforts to crack down on these facilities and give these dogs a second chance. Recently, one humane society scored a huge victory, rescuing dozens of puppies from mistreatment.
According to the Humane Society of Missouri, their Animal Cruelty Taskforce responded to reports about a “substandard breeder” in Douglas County called Cedarcrest Kennel. The breeder had reportedly been repeatedly cited for violations, and appeared on the “Horrible Hundred” list of the worst puppy breeders.
Cedarcrest had faced multiple lawsuits from the state’s Attorney General, and last summer the facility’s owner, Marilyn Shepherd, received a restraining order for violations of the Animal Care Facilities Act, including operating without a ACFA license.
“Cedarcrest Kennel has been featured in national media as an example of why Missouri consistently ranks as the worst state in the country for sub-standard puppy mills,” the HSMO wrote in a press release.
This week, the owner’s license was finally revoked for good, allowing the Humane Society to intervene and bring the puppies to a better place.
Working alongside local authorities, the Task Force reportedly rescued 42 dogs. Breeds included Irish Terriers, Schnauzers and Yorkies.
“The dogs and their pups now have a chance to finally live a normal life instead of being forced to produce litter after litter of puppies for profit,” said Kathy Warnick, the president of the Humane Society of Missouri.
The dogs are now with the Humane Society in St. Louis. HSMO says that they will continue to provide updates about the dogs, including when they will be available for adoption.
They’re in much better hands now and on their way to a better life.
“This is a HUGE victory for these pups!” the Humane Society wrote on Facebook.
We’re so glad these poor puppies have been saved from a life of mistreatment and this puppy mill has been shut down for good. Thank you to everyone who made this victory happen.
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