Monday March 10 and Wednesday March 12, Animal Welfare officials, with the assistance of the Pima County Sheriff’s deputies, removed about 800 dogs from a triple-wide mobile home. Among the breeds rescued were Chihuahuas, Pomeranians, Chinese Cresteds, Lhasa Apsos and other terrier breeds.
Some of the dogs were pregnant and began giving birth during their transport to various shelters in Tucson. Some of the other dogs were missing paws from animal attacks as well as getting their feet caught in the outside fencing. The elderly couple who lived in the mobile home claimed they just got overwhelmed trying to take care of all the animals, however, they were breeding and offering dogs for sale.
It makes you wonder how they were selling these animals. First, the dogs roamed freely throughout the home and property. Their was no controlled breeding being done. It is unclear how they were able to properly feed 800 dogs and who knows what type of diseases, illnesses and genetic defects the dogs would end up having. According to a spokesperson for the Humane Society of Southern Arizona, “The home was definitely in very bad condition, urine and feces all over the home, in the kitchen and bedroom, with a very strong odor”.
Yet, these dogs were being offered for sale. As a matter of fact, this operation was reported by a woman who purchased a Chihuahua at the home.
According to news reports, no charges have yet been filed, but authorities are continuing to investigate.
I am appalled at this case, however, it is just one more reason why those who are looking for a puppy for sale need to perform their due diligence when choosing a breeder. The individuals who purchased puppies from this couple have no idea of the lineage of the puppy they received, the type of inbreeding that occurred and what type of health issues will present themselves later in the pup’s life.
March 15, 2008 at 10:36 am |
this is simply awful!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
(( We are a reputable puppy finder company and are always apalled to hear of stories like this and other scams. Our goal has always been to deliver healthy puppies to happy homes. It seems some really don’t care, as long as they make a quick buck….so sad.
March 15, 2008 at 1:03 pm |
I think people should be wary of purchasing pets via the web. There is no government regulation on those breeders who sell online.
March 21, 2008 at 7:25 am |
This just breaks my heart, those poor animals living in such deplorable conditions. We do breed our German Sheperds and yes we do sell on-line. However, our dogs are properly medicated, fed and kept safe and healthy. Our puppies are vet checked and are kept up to date on shots and worming.
How can anyone be so irresponsible, I can’t imagine how you could feed that many dogs let alone make certain they have proper medical care. What a shame, elderly or not there should be stiffer punishments for people that are not responsible animal owners.