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22 ‘designer dogs’ rescued from overcrowded puppy mills, brought to Salem shelter
The dogs including Cocker Spaniels, Papillons, and Havaneses were taken to the MSPCA's Salem shelter and will be listed when available for adoption.
Nearly two dozen dogs arrived in Massachusetts Saturday after they were rescued from overcrowded puppy mill operations in Missouri, MSPCA-Angell announced Monday.
The 22 dogs include Cocker Spaniels, Papillons, Havaneses and other “so-called designer dogs,” the nonprofit said. The dogs were taken to their shelter in Salem and will be listed as soon as they’re available for adoption.
MSPCA-Angell shared images of the dogs being unloaded off a plane, taking a ride to the shelter, and getting care from shelter workers.
The dogs, aged 1 to 10, are a little shy, said Mike Keiley, vice president of the MSPCA’s Animal Protection Division.
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“Dogs in these situations often have specific behavior needs, so their future adopters may need to be very patient with them,” he said, “but we know that they’ll make perfect pets for the right homes when they’re ready to find them.”
The dogs were rescued from overcrowded breeding facilities, also known as puppy mills, where the dogs are most likely over-bred. The puppies are often not properly socialized, and dogs don’t receive adequate medical care, according to Keiley.
The nonprofit is advocating for the state to completely ban pet shops from selling dogs, cats, and rabbits. Boston and Cambridge have both banned the sale of most commercially bred pets, a move targeting inhumane breeding practices at the mills.
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The proposed bill would allow pet shops to source animals from local shelters and rescue organizations, the MSPCA-Angell said.
“More needs to be done, and a big piece of that is stopping the sale of puppies in pet shops,” Keiley said.
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