In May 2023, our Animal Rescue Team responded to an alleged cruelty case in Hertford County, North Carolina where 114 dogs were found living in grim conditions. These dogs were living in filth and in need of veterinary attention. Several dogs had open wounds or significant matting.
Your support helped bring these dogs to safety and can continue to support our lifesaving work for all animals.
Updates
July 12: The Humane Society of the United States was awarded custody of all 114 dogs from the property. These dogs will be available for adoption through our shelter and rescue partners in the coming days.
May 22: The dogs are in a safe, undisclosed location where they are receiving much-needed care. Multiple dogs were found to have pellets embedded in their skin. Several dogs were diagnosed with sarcoptic mange, many dogs were heartworm positive, and many dogs were found to have tick-borne illnesses. Several dogs and puppies were dehydrated, including a puppy who had not yet opened his eyes. In the days following the seizure, one dog gave birth to 10 puppies!
Our team is working hard to provide care and comfort to all of these dogs. It warms our hearts to see them sleeping soundly in their own clean, comfortable space. You can donate to continue to provide for these dogs and to support all our lifesaving work.
May 17: Our team worked hard to remove 114 dogs from the property. The scene was grim. The dogs had no apparent access to food and the smell of feces filled the air. Nursing mothers and their puppies were tucked away throughout the crowded, messy property. Our team also discovered multiple dead puppies in a freezer. Our hearts are broken by this loss.
Donate now to help these dogs get the care they need and support all our lifesaving work.
May 16: Our Animal Rescue Team is on the ground in North Carolina at the scene of an alleged cruelty case involving 114 dogs. These dogs were found living in filth and several are in need of medical attention. Donate now to help these animals get the care they need and support all our lifesaving work.
Our Animal Rescue Team was on the ground in North Carolina at the scene of an alleged cruelty case. Help us give these dogs the care they need and fight for all animals in conditions like this.
Was the owner of the property/animals arrested?
Local law enforcement is handling the investigation and is best suited to answer any questions regarding charges.
What will happen to the animals now?
The animals have been moved to a safe, undisclosed location where they are receiving much-needed care.
Can I adopt one of the animals?
These dogs will be available for adoption through our shelter and rescue partners in the coming days. You can reach out to our partners directly to inquire about adopting:
- Delaware Valley Golden Retriever Rescue (PA)
- Erie Humane Society (PA)
- Fredericksburg Regional SPCA (VA)
- Green Dogs Unleashed (VA)
- Home Fur Hounds (VA)
- Maryland SPCA (MD)
Aren't breeding operations like this illegal?
It is not illegal to breed puppies. In fact, this breeding operation was not required to be licensed or inspected by any state or federal agency in order to sell puppies to the public. The reason law enforcement was able to intervene and help the animals on this property is because of the alleged cruelty.
As we emphasize in our annual “Horrible Hundred” report, many commercial breeding operations throughout the country are not inspected or licensed by state or federal authorities. The USDA is the only agency that has the authority to regulate pet breeders in all 50 states under the Animal Welfare Act, but the USDA does not inspect breeders at all if they sell only to the public and in person, as was apparently the case with this breeder. This means it took law enforcement investigating animal cruelty concerns raised by the community and individuals who had purchased sick puppies from this breeder to intervene on behalf of these dogs and puppies.
The public can help by supporting enhanced animal protection laws and by choosing adoption first when getting a pet, or buying only from responsible breeders they meet in person.
Can I volunteer to help?
Thanks for your interest! Learn more about becoming an Animal Rescue Team volunteer.
