CHHS rescues dogs from suspected puppy mill in Kentucky

Alabama. Florida. Georgia. Mississippi. South Carolina. Tennessee. And all across North Carolina from the mountains to the Outer Banks. What do all these places have in common? The Cashiers-Highlands Humane Society Animal Rescue Team has been there to help save lives. Last week, CHHS added state #8 to their rescue map when Executive Director David Stroud made the 12-hour round-trip drive to Louisville, Kentucky to help with transport for canine survivors of a large-scale suspected puppy mill case. More than 100 large-breed dogs, mostly Siberian Huskies, were discovered living in outdoor kennels or on chains, all of them found in unsanitary and inhumane conditions. The owner of the dogs had passed away and his surviving relatives surrendered custody of the dogs to local animal control and law enforcement authorities.

Through a friendship with a representative of the national BISSELL Pet Foundation, Stroud was contacted and asked for help. Within hours of that request, he was on the road to meet representatives of the Kentucky Humane Society and assist with transport of six dogs who have now found safe refuge at the CHHS no-kill shelter.

“This was a very difficult case due to the size and volume of dogs,” Kim Alboum, Director of Shelter Outreach and Policy Development for BISSELL, said. “The BISSELL Pet Foundation is grateful for the compassion and expertise within the Cashiers-Highlands Humane Society that makes them a vital partner in situations like this. These are very lucky dogs.”

Lori Kane Redmon, President and CEO of the Kentucky Humane Society added, “We are thankful that we were able to rescue these dogs and bring them to safety. It was an enormous task that was only possible because of the incredible collaboration with our shelter partners, and we are grateful for their support.”

When Stroud arrived back at the 10-acre campus of the CHHS shelter with the rescued dogs, staff had already set aside six of their fourteen play yards for the new residents.

Stroud said the scene that followed would have brought the most hard-hearted person to tears.

“These six brave canine survivors, who only knew life on a chain or a cramped outdoor kennel smaller than a broom closet, got to stretch their legs and run for the first time in their lives,” said Stroud. “To see them romp, run and play, drink clean water, breathe fresh air, well… it reminded all of us that this is why we do what we do. But it got even better,” Stroud went on to say. “After an hour or so in our play yards, we brought these dogs in from their newfound playtime and despite the cruelty and neglect in their past life, do you know what they did? Each dog just wanted to snuggle and nuzzle with our staff. In all the years I have been in animal welfare, I never cease to be amazed at abused animals’ will to live, but most importantly, their capacity to forgive.”

Upon the dogs’ arrival, CHHS immediately has begun providing any and all necessary veterinary care and much-needed rest and quiet time. To learn more about how to adopt any of the rescued dogs, please call the CHHS shelter at 828-743-5752.