WARM SPRINGS, Ark. — Nearly 60 animals were rescued from a suspected puppy mill in Warm Springs, Arkansas.
Forty-six dogs, some of which had icicles hanging off their fur, three cats, and eight chickens were taken to the Humane Society of Saline County for veterinary care.
The owner was convicted of animal cruelty in 2013 and has been selling the animals in person and online.
Most of the animals were Great Pyrenees, and many were housed outside in unsanitary conditions, without shelter or access to clean water or food.
Some of the animals were so emaciated and their fur so matted, they couldn’t move.
“These animals were forced to live in freezing temperatures – some dogs literally had icicles hanging off of them. And sadly, this is typical for commercial dog breeding facilities in Arkansas since the state does not have any laws to protect dogs in puppy mills,” Dale Bartlett, policy manager for the Humane Society of the United States puppy mills campaign, said in a statement.
“It’s frustrating to see these animals living without basic care – especially during these freezing temperatures. We’re grateful to the Humane Society of the United States and the other groups here today for rescuing these animals,” Randolph County Sheriff Gary Tribble added.
PetSmart Charities is providing food, supplies, and other items for the dogs.