Heartwarming Photos Document a Puppy Mill Rescue
Recently-released photos show Pomeranians, Bichons and other dogs' first glimpses of safety after a May rescue from a puppy mill in Estrie, Canada.
The dogs were saved in what was the second largest puppy mill rescue in Quebec history: Over 200 dogs and puppies were rescued in a joint effort by the Humane Society International (HSI) and the Quebec Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food. Small breed dogs made up a significant number of the animals rescued, and were allegedly forced to live in stacked, crowded cages exposed to ammonia fumes at the Estrie mill.
"These desperate dogs had skin and eye conditions, infections and matted fur," said Ewa Demianowicz, campaign manager for Humane Society International Canada. "We are thrilled to be rescuing these dogs and taking them to the safety of our emergency shelter."
The rescue is the fifth such rescue in seven months by HSI. The organization pinpoints Quebec's lack of government funding for Societies for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals as a challenge for enforcing welfare standards for animals.