Suncoast Animal League rescues 121 dogs and puppies from a Tarpon Springs puppy mill.

On Monday, April 7, 2008 at approximately 4:15 pm, Suncoast Animal League Executive Director and Humane Officer, Rick Chaboudy and a Pinellas County Sheriff’s Deputy knocked on the door of a suspected puppy mill in Tarpon Springs.  The home owner, Teresita Hughes answered the door.  Chaboudy introduced himself and the Deputy, then explained the reason for their visit.  Both were invited by Hughes to enter the house and inspect the dog’s living conditions.

A short time later, the Suncoast Animal League removed 121 abused and neglected Pomeranians, Yorkies and Maltese from the puppy mill.

Living in filthy and deplorable conditions, the dogs were crowded and forced to live in rooms with little ventilation where the stench of urine and feces made your eyes tear and your nose burn.  Upon stepping through the sliding door that led to the most offensive area, your gag reflex immediately took over.

As we entered, the dogs, which counted six to eight per cage, barked wildly.  In every cage, at least one submissive dog shook nervously in the corner, clearly the omega of the group.  Unchecked by humans and left to defend itself, it existed at the mercy of the dog pack within their caged confines. 

A backdoor led outside to kennel runs.  Dirty and undisturbed with weeds and leaves, it was an obvious sign the dogs were deprived of exercise and fresh air.  A short time later, this was confirmed by Hughes, as she admitted to not allowing the dogs out of their cages for “at least the past four months,” proof they had spent endless days walking only on wire-bottom cages.  These dogs had to be immediately removed from these horrendous conditions, no question about it. 

Soon, the rescue was in full motion.  One-by-one, each dog was carefully removed by Suncoast Animal League volunteers from their filthy cages, and carried outside for their first breath of fresh air in a very long time.  Those dogs in critical condition were the first to be removed, and immediately sent to AA Animal ER Center for treatment. 

Over the next two hours, the final 100 dogs were removed, photographed and logged into the Suncoast Animal League’s administrative records before being transported to clean, well-stocked kennels at Westlake Animal Hospital, Sheldegren Kennels, and the Suncoast Animal League shelter, located in Palm Harbor.  It was a daunting task, but well worth the effort, for when the last van full of dogs drove away from the Hughes home, we all knew in our hearts their suffering was over.

At the receiving locations, volunteers eagerly awaited their arrival.  Although they wanted to hug and comfort the scared dogs, the smell made it unbearable, so over the next two hours, all 121 dogs were bathed before settling in for a quiet night’s sleep.

Stay tuned for the next installment…

Click here to view the Tarpon Springs puppy mill photo gallery »

Suncoast Animal League is seeking donations to offset the rising medical costs associated with caring for the rescued dogs and puppies.

Puppy Mill Updates: Read our most recent update on the puppy mill dogs »

Important: Statement regarding current status of puppy mill dogs »