ASPCA Transports More than 130 Dogs to Response Partners Following Kentucky Puppy Mill Case

NEW YORK—The ASPCA® (The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals®), through its Shelter Response Partnership network, is transporting 136 dogs from Rowan County, Ky., to various rescue groups throughout the Midwest and Northeast following the October 2011 puppy mill investigation led by the Rowan County Attorney’s Office in Morehead, Ky., approximately 65 miles east of Lexington. The puppy mill operator, Patricia Blevins, pleaded guilty earlier this month to two counts of misdemeanor animal cruelty and one count of kennel violation. She forfeited ownership of the dogs to the ASPCA.

“Kentucky is widely known as one of the worst puppy mill states in the country, and we appreciate the local officials for seeing this case through to the end and setting an example that animal cruelty will not be tolerated in the community,” said Kathryn Destreza, director of Investigations for the ASPCA Field Investigations and Response team. “The ASPCA has managed the sheltering of the animals for more than five months, and we’re pleased to see that these dogs are getting a second chance and on their way to finding permanent homes through the receiving rescue groups.”

The ASPCA’s Shelter Response Partnership network is a coalition of various national and local agencies that provide transport and placement for animals rescued from cruelty investigations and overcrowded facilities. The dogs—mainly small breeds such as Chihuahuas, Pekingese, miniature pinschers, papillons, dachshunds and schnauzers—will be transported via the ASPCA’s animal transport trailer to the response partners.

Agencies assisting the ASPCA with placement include: Kentucky Humane Society (Louisville, Ky.); Richmond SPCA (Richmond, Va.); St. Hubert’s Animal Welfare Center (Madison, N.J.); and Washington Animal Rescue League (Washington, D.C.).

“The ASPCA is grateful for the assistance provided by our response partners in placing a large number of animals from this case,” said Joel Lopez, senior manager of Operations for the ASPCA Field Investigations and Response team. “We are thrilled to see each of these dogs leave the temporary shelter and move on toward a better life.”

For more information on the ASPCA’s efforts to fight puppy mills, please visit www.nopetstorepuppies.com.