Dozens of dogs are being treated at an SPCA facility in Independence after they were found in awful conditions at a puppy mill in Madison County, Arkansas.
Officers raided the mill last Thursday. The dogs were found in ankle-deep feces, many of them malnourished.
"Many of them have terribly matted bodies, some down to their skin," explained Great Plains SPCA President Courtney Thomas. "Some of them were covered in fecal matter. Some of them have medical issues like eye problems, skin problems or ear problems."
The Independence facility took in 51 dogs from the puppy mill. In total, investigators say 275 dogs were rescued.
"It's sad and disgusting to think about how many more facilities just like this one exist that haven't been brought to light yet," said Thomas.
The owner of the puppy mill is now in jail and facing multiple charges.
In the meantime, Great Plains SPCA is in need of volunteers and foster families to take care of the pets. Donations of dog food and toys are also needed.
For more information on how to help out, click here.
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Tom Dempsey can be reached at tom.dempsey@kshb.com.
