Dogs from an inhumane dog breeding operation in Tennessee have been rescued by the Washington Humane Society and the Washington Animal Rescue League. 

Over 700 dogs were rescued June 25 from the Tennessee puppy mill in June where authorities and the Humane Society of the United States suspected the animals were cruelly being treated. "Dogs were living on mounds of feces," said HSUS rescuer Scotlund Haisley.

The removal of the dogs marks the largest puppy mill rescue ever conducted in Tennessee. In addition to the nearly 700 dogs that were removed, there were 25 horses and donkeys, 20 cats, four parrots and 15 chickens.

Pinebluff Kennels lured customers with a legit-looking website promising healthy, well-cared for puppies bred on a beautiful 90 acre farm. The owner then shipped the animals to buyers.

"You have no way to know, unless you go to the place. That's why we tell people not to go to the Internet. Most are not reputable places," said HSUS President Wayne Pacelle.

TRACK THE DOGS' JOURNEY

The Washington Animal Rescue League took in about 80 dogs from the puppy mill and the Washington Humane Society agreed to open it's doors to take some of the dogs in and care for them.

"This is one of the the single largest groups of animals the League has taken in at one time," said WRAL director, Dr. Gary Weitzman. "And they are arriving on the heels of another transport from the Iowa floods. But these unfortunate dogs have been through so much, and they have nowhere else to go. So we'll make room for each and every one of them."

The dogs will be checked out by doctors and groomed before people will be able to adopt any of them. Michele Cascio said she would love a dog but, "I have two dogs, two cats, and two guinea pigs and a 12-year-old!"

In addition to caring for the dogs, the WHS National Capital Area Spay & Neuter Center will provide two free days of spay or neuter surgery to any of the dogs rescued from the puppy mill that are being cared for by various rescue groups in the Washington metro region.

WHS will be holding an open Foster Parent Orientation on Wednesday, July 3rd at 7:00 p.m. at their 1201 New York Avenue location. 

On the Net:
www.washhumane.org

www.warl.org

Video Captured in Tennessee by the Humane Society  of the United States.