The Cashiers-Highlands Humane Society was called into action by the Humane Society of the United States on Thursday, Jan. 16, with news of a horrific puppy mill case unfolding in Laurens County, South Carolina.
CHHS is one of approximately 350 official HSUS Shelter and Rescue Partners nationwide. Less than 24 hours after the call, the CHHS Animal Rescue Team was deployed to the nearby Anderson County PAWS shelter where 142 dogs were temporarily transported.
More than 200 animals, including 142 dogs, 2 cats, 107 chickens, 10 ducks and eight rabbits were on the property living in filthy, squalid conditions, according to CHHS Executive Director David Stroud.
Multiple animal welfare agencies from across South Carolina and North Carolina joined with CHHS and by the end of the day, all the animals were safely transported to participating rescue organizations. Barbara Timms and Barry Davis, the alleged mother-and-son operators of the puppy mill, were arrested and charged with felony animal cruelty according to Laurens County Sheriff’s Office reports.
The CHHS Animal Rescue Team brought back to the Blue Ridge Mountains 26 dogs, including 23 Chihuahua mixes (long and short haired), two senior Huskies, and one senior Spaniel/Lab mix. The 26 dogs, ranging in ages from just under one year old to more than 13 years old, arrived at the CHHS no-kill shelter Friday, Jan. 17.
“These 26 brave canine survivors spent their first night in what might have been their entire lifetimes on a soft bed and in a clean, quiet and safe place,” said Stroud. “With tender loving hands who pet their fur and soft, soothing voices whispering in their ear that their terrible past life is no more. Without a chain choking their neck. Without spending 24 hours each day in a filthy cramped cage filled with feces and urine and no human companionship. Their nightmare is over, and the journey to what will become the loving forever home they deserve has just begun.”
Upon the dogs’ arrival, CHHS immediately began providing any and all necessary veterinary care, nutritious meals and much-needed rest and quiet time. After a weekend to relax and become comfortable with their new surroundings, public viewing of the 26 rescued dogs began Monday. Adoption applications were processed on a first come, first-approved basis although some of the dogs may have a long road of recovery ahead of them, and they are going to receive full medical care before their spay/neuter surgery date is scheduled.
To learn more about the availability of any of the rescued dogs, please call the CHHS shelter at 828-743-5752.