ASPCA Transports 27 Dogs from Kentucky Animal Shelter Following Puppy Mill Investigation

NEW YORK--The ASPCA® (The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals®), through its Shelter Response Partnership network, is transporting 27 dogs from Rowan County Humane Society in Morehead, Ky. to Capital Area Humane Society in Columbus, Ohio and St. Hubert's Animal Welfare Center in Madison, N.J. The dogs' transfer out of the shelter initially helped make room for 118 dogs that were seized during a puppy mill investigation led by the Rowan County Attorney's Office in Morehead, and ultimately these dogs will be given a second chance for adoption through the receiving shelter partners.

The ASPCA's Shelter Response Partnership network is a coalition of various national and local agencies that provide transport and a second chance for animals rescued from overcrowded facilities and cruelty investigations.

"To help communities with limited resources, the ASPCA works collaboratively with its response partners on cases where shelter animals need to be relocated," said Joel Lopez, senior manager of operations for ASPCA Field Investigations and Response. "We appreciate Capital Area Humane Society and St. Hubert's Animal Welfare Center for quickly stepping up to offer assistance and help provide positive outcomes for these 27 animals."

The ASPCA animal transport trailer, a custom-built vehicle generously donated by the Silberstein Foundation of New York and the Grousbeck Family Foundation of California, will stop in Ohio to place nine dogs and then head toward New Jersey with 18 dogs, completing the transport operation.

ASPCA responders arrived in Kentucky last week to assist the Rowan County Attorney's Office with evidence collection and sheltering management of 118 dogs that were seized on October 6 during a puppy mill investigation. The dogs--mainly small breeds such as Chihuahuas, Pekingese, miniature pinschers, papillons, dachshunds and schnauzers--were reported to be found living in deplorable conditions on the property. The dogs were transferred to a temporary shelter where they were triaged by veterinarians from other agencies and later evaluated by the ASPCA's Anti-Cruelty animal behavior team.

The investigation was set into motion after complaints about the facility were reported to the Rowan County Attorney's Office, which in turn contacted the ASPCA for assistance after removing the animals from the property. Charges against the puppy mill's owner are currently pending as the Rowan County Attorney's Office continues its investigation.