Update on puppy mill rescues by Greater Birmingham Humane Society and how you can help

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[Photo Credit: ASPCA]

Last month, the Greater Birmingham Humane Society took in a whopping 83 puppies and dogs from a suspected puppy mill in Trussville, Ala. That same week, in a less reported bust a boxer puppy mill breeder relinquished 18 additional dogs to the GBHS.

The Trussville bust included over a dozen pregnant dogs so the 83 number is climbing has climbed those dogs have given birth.

Since the dogs were rescued, 24 additional puppies have been born.

“Many of the animals, some of which are in the late stages of pregnancy, were crammed two to three in a wire cage. Dogs were together in stacked inadequate, wire-bottom cages and crates caked in excrement and filth. Most of the dogs are suffering from abscessed teeth and gum infections, along with other illnesses,” GBHS shared in statement about the Trussville rescue.

Sadly, it’s not all good news. One of the dogs taken in passed away. Likely due to the extreme conditions they endured at the suspected puppy mill.

The story was covered nationally including in a feature by People which quoted Courtney Underwood the Director of Marketing and Outreach at GBHS saying, “I’m no longer going to mourn the life that they have missed, I’m going to be proud to be a part of what’s next.”

Here’s a look at what’s happening with the dogs from the Trussville puppy mill:

  • Total taken in on day police contacted GBHS: 83
  • Total born since original intake in shelter: 24 (22 up until Friday of last week and two last night Tue. Aug. 14, 2018.)
  • Total died in shelter/care: 1
  • Any euthanized and reason: 1 Behavior (Aggressive/Dangerous/ Evaluated – Bites, Animal Aggressive, Food Aggressive)
  • Number of animals made available to public for adoption: 30 ( +1 who went to Transport)
  • Number of new fosters that came in when this story ran: more than 100 individuals applied to be a foster home.
  • Number of animals currently in foster: 72 (including all of the new puppies who have been born since their mothers were placed into foster).

Legislation to stop puppy mills

Now, that the GBHS has it hands full will an overflow of pups and it’s motivated more than ever to support the passing of a bill to protect against puppy mills.

First introduced in 2017, the Alabama puppy mill bill, better known as “Atti’s Bill,” or HB45 and SB17 in their respective chambers, requires commercial breeders of dogs and cats  to be licensed and inspected annually in hopes to put an end to inhumane practices like puppy mills.

While neither bill directly refers to “puppy mills” they would apply to cat and dog breeders who have more than 10 female animals. They’d have to be licensed and inspected by the Alabama Dog and Cat Breeders Commission, which the legislation also creates.

The state Department of Agriculture and Industries would have jurisdiction over the commission and funding would be covered through breeders’ licensing fees.

To find more information on this piece of legislation and how you can stop puppy mills like the one featured here: visit the Alabama Puppy Mill Project’s website.

To give to a tax-deductible donation  to help not just the puppy mill animals but also the regular intake and pet surrenders at the Greater Birmingham Humane Society visit their website here.