Grand Rapids, Mich. — More than 160 dogs seized from a puppy mill in Northern Michigan are finding new homes, some in West Michigan.
The Jack Russell Terriers are ready for adoption at both the Humane Society of West Michigan and the Kent County Animal Shelter.
At the Humane Society, Animal Behavior Specialist Namiko Ota-Noveskey has been working with the dogs to get them ready for new homes.
“Some of them are a little more social and brave than others,” said Namiko. “We received six that were worst than most.”
Six of the dogs came to the Humane Society following the raid.
The dogs belonged to Lake City breeder John Jones, who was operating a facility called JRT, John’s Jack Russell Terriers.
The ASPCA and local animal control officers and other officials removed 165 of his dogs from his kennels on May 23, 2013.
Undersheriff Will Yancer of Missaukee County said the animal’s pens were exposed to the elements, were muddy and overcrowded with dirty food and water.
During one visit, prior to the raid in February, he said the dogs kennels were completely iced over and they had no protection from the cold.
He said there was also a feces pile that was around 20 feet high and there was an overpowering smell on the property.
Namiko said the dog’s teeth were the most telling sign of neglect.
“I know our veterinarian had to spend quite a bit of time cleaning their teeth,” Namiko said.
The Kent County Animal Shelter also received 15 of the dogs.
They were able to adopt out a few so far, with six or seven still looking for homes.
Former owner, John Jones, denied any wrongdoing, saying on his kennel website that the dogs shouldn’t have been taken because they were in his daughter’s name.
He also commented that, “all the dogs and pups should be returned to the kennel and given individual licenses like was asked for.”
However, Yancer said Jones was the true owner of the dogs. He said the courts gave him ample time and opportunity to get his kennel up to state standards.
Yancer said Jones was unable to do that and the court declared the operation a public nuisance and then ordered that the dogs could be removed during the raid.
He said Jones is a repeat offender, facing the same charge in Barry County in 2008 when authorities there seized more than 80 dogs under similar circumstances.
Yancer said Jones also faces a criminal charge of resisting and obstructing an officer for trying to hide puppies at a different location during the raid.
Namiko hopes for a good life for the dogs that have come to West Michigan.She wants the public to lend a hand when it comes to shutting down puppy mills through awareness.
“Everybody can help can help by becoming aware. There`s a lot of cruelty and neglect that goes on, for the dogs that live in situations,” Namiko said.
If you are interested in looking at the dogs that are at the Humane Society, Namiko suggests you come in and meet them in person.
They are open Tuesday through Friday from noon until 8:00 pm. Saturday they are open from 10:30 am through 4:00 pm.
Here is a link to their website for more information:
Note: The video of the raid in the news clip was provided by the ASPCA.
