Two hundred cast-off puppy mill dogs from Missouri have a new lease on life, arriving to cheers when rescued by a Long Island shelter.
Among the rescued dogs are adults that were used for breeding, as well as adolescents and puppies. They include breeds such as cocker spaniels, chihuahuas, mini pinchers, Jack Russell terriers and poodle mixes.
The North Shore Animal League in Port Washington will make the dogs available for adoption. The pups were rescued by the Best Friends Animal Society, in collaboration with National Mill Dog Rescue.
Currently, hundreds of thousands of dogs languish in puppy mills, large commercial breeding operations that supply most pet stores across the United States and contribute heavily to the pet overpopulation problem, animal advocates said.
After a life typically filled with suffering and neglect, mill dogs that no longer turn a profit are unwanted and usually are euthanized.
If you're wondering where you can adopt a dog in the area, the locations are below:
+ North Shore Animal League, Manhasset
+ Animal Rescue Fund of the Hamptons, Wainscot
+ Mt. Pleasant Animal Shelter, East Hanover, NJ
+ Noah's Ark Animal Welfare Association, Ledgewood, NJ
+ St. Hubert's Animal Welfare Center, Madison, NJ
