123 Dogs Rescued from Two Alcorn Co., MS Puppy Mills to Receive Care from H.S.S.M.

One hundred and twenty three small-breed dogs rescued from deplorable conditions at two Alcorn County, Mississippi puppy mills will receive a new “leash” on life with help from the Humane Society of South Mississippi (H.S.S.M.)

A team of 21 H.S.S.M. staff members and volunteers traveled to North Mississippi to assist representatives from The Humane Society of the United States (H.S.U.S.) in the rescue of these 123 dogs. The rescued dogs were being used in puppy mill operations, in which these dogs were kept in filthy, cramped conditions and repeatedly bred for profit, without regard to their health or overall well-being.

Yorkies, Pekingese, Italian Greyhounds, Chihuahuas, MaltiPoos, and Shih Tzus are among the 123 dogs rescued from the two sites. Oftentimes these small breeds are the unfortunate victims of puppy mills due to their high desirability and generally higher price tags. The proprietors of these particular puppy mills have allegedly sold their puppies at the local flea market for years. A number of livestock including chickens, ducks, goats, a miniature pig, a donkey, and more were also rescued from one of the sites and are in the care of other animal welfare organizations.

“We’ve seen this time and time again—precious little lives left in squalor simply so their owner can turn a profit,” said H.S.S.M. Executive Director, Tara High, “This serves as a reminder that you never really know where your precious puppy came from. The only way to end the suffering of dogs who have been forced to breed over and over is to take a stand against puppy mills—and one of the best ways to do that is to adopt from a shelter or ensure the breeder is reputable by visiting the location and seeing your puppy’s parents and their living situation.”

H.S.S.M. has set up a temporary emergency shelter for the housing of a number of these neglected dogs as they await much-needed care including preliminary vet exams, flea treatment, vaccinations, grooming, and individualized attention. Because these dogs came from special circumstances, H.S.S.M. plans to spend a little extra time getting to know more about their health status, temperaments, and individual qualities before placing them up for adoption. For the latest on these dogs, please “Like” H.S.S.M. on Facebook at www.facebook.com/MyHSSM.

Because HSSM receives no financial support from national, state, or local agencies, HSSM depends on the support of our community to be able to provide the highest quality care and services to the animals entrusted to us. Support was given in this particular case by The HSUS and PetSmart Charities, but adding an additional 123 animals into HSSM’s care will place a significant strain on the organization’s resources.

If you would like to help, HSSM welcomes monetary donations and in-kind donations of paper towels, bath towels, and bleach or Clorox wipes. To make a donation toward the care of these neglected and abused dogs, please call 228-863-3354 ext. 102.

HSSM intends to find loving homes for these pets in the coming weeks. If you are thinking of adding a new pet to your home, please continue to look for updates on www.hssm.org and “Like” HSSM on Facebook at www.facebook.com/MyHSSM.