The Animal Rescue Fund of the Hamptons (ARF) announced Wednesday that the organization is currently housing 20 of 30 breeder dogs that were rescued from puppy mills in Missouri and driven to New York. The dogs will be examined by a veterinarian, and after they are neutered, vaccinated and treated for any conditions, ARF said all 20 will be available for adoption.
Kent Animal Shelter in Calverton has the remaining 10 dogs.
The 20 dogs at ARF are all highly popular small breeds including: Yorkshire Terriers, Coton de Tulear, Pomeranians, Shih Tzu, Toy Poodles and Maltese. Some are suffering from ailments typical for dogs from puppy mills, including rotten teeth and injured feet from living on wire floors. Others are physically fine, but extremely shy from a lack of human contact.
This is the sixth puppy mill rescue ARF has participated in this year. The dogs are transported from Missouri by a network of volunteer drivers known as the Rescue Road Warriors. ARF covers their gas expense, but the dedicated drivers donate their time for this worthy endeavor. Some of the Rescue Road Warriors have fallen so in love with the dogs they transport, they adopt them before they even make it to New York.
Missouri is ranked by the Humane Society of the United States (HSUS) as among the country’s worst states for puppy mill conditions. Because of an imminent change in Missouri law, it is expected that more puppy mill breeder dogs will be cast off by breeders. Recent changes in laws requiring breeders who sell on the internet to be licensed by the United Stated Department of Agriculture are causing large scale commercial breeders to rethink their strategy as well.
ARF’s mission is to actively rescue cats and dogs, provide quality care and offer sanctuary until loving homes can be found.
To adopt one of these rescue dogs and provide a much-needed, loving home, call ARF at 631-537-0400 or visit arfhamptons.org.
Kent Animal Shelter in Calverton (2259 River Road) can be reached at 631-727-5731 or kentanimalshelter.com.
Learn more about the Rescue Road Warriors at rescueroadwarriors.org.
