Just months after the Gingerich puppy mill rescue, the Animal Rescue League has once again assisted authorities in removing dogs from terrible conditions at an unlicensed breeder — this time 3.5 hours away in Southeast Iowa.
Our Mobile Rescue Team spent hours yesterday removing 42 dogs and puppies crammed into filthy cages at the home in Lee County. Nearly every room in the house was packed with dogs and puppies in wire cages — everything from Great Danes and Weimeraners to Dachshunds and Corgis.
The cages were stacked on top of each other, sometimes with 2 or 3 adult dogs to a cage, or moms with litters of puppies barely able to move. They were living in their own waste and the smell of urine was overpowering.
One by one, our rescue team moved all of the dogs into clean kennels for the drive back. Our Miracle Medical Team was waiting when they arrived and immediately began examining, vaccinating and treating the dogs. Many are thin — some very thin. Their teeth are rotten and they were crawling with fleas. Nearly all will need spay/neuter surgeries.
Our animal care team worked into the evening to get the dogs settled into warm, clean beds with full bowls of fresh food and water and immediately sent the most vulnerable — moms with nursing puppies — to foster homes for round-the-clock care.
As we were rescuing the dogs, we also found 2 small cages with 41 hamsters piled on top of each other, covered in their waste and living with deceased hamsters on inches of feces and soiled bedding. Two had such serious injuries that they had to be humanely euthanized to prevent further suffering. The rest are now safe and clean under the care of the ARL team as well.
Thankfully these dogs, puppies, and hamsters are now safe, but they need your help to finally get the second chance they deserve. Your donation today will help provide food and medical care for these pets and put them on the path to a better life. Your monthly gift will not only help them today but ensure our skilled rescue team can continue to be there for animals in need — whether it’s one or dozens at a time.
P.S.: The investigation into this case is ongoing. When you donate today or join our Loyal Friends Club monthly giving program, you’ll automatically be enrolled to receive exclusive updates on this rescue.
Read more: The ARL has now rescued 225 MORE animals from this property
