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The Wisconsin Humane Society had a near-record number of adoptions over the weekend, following its announcement that the animal welfare organization had purchased and closed down the Puppy Haven Kennel in Markesan, WI, rescuing over 1,000 puppies. "We're confident we can provide these animals with a loving family for the rest of their lives," says Jill DeGrave, Education Director of the Wisconsin Humane Society.
Owner Wallace Havens agreed to sell the assets of the breeding operation - including the puppies - to the Humane Society at a discount. "They're giving me enough money that I'm satisfied with it, and they're happy," he says. "I'd much rather do it this way," he said, rather than selling to another breeder or putting the facility on an auction block. But don't call Havens operation a puppy mill. "We don't go around saying all animal activists are terrorists. They shouldn't go around saying all people who raise puppies are puppy mills," he says. Humane Society spokeswoman Angela Speed said nearly 70 puppies were adopted Sunday, with people lining up as early as 7 a.m. to adopt, even though the society doesn't open until 10 a.m. Others came by to drop off checks. Even Wallace Havens lent a hand, helping to load some of the puppies into a van for a trip to Milwaukee. But he admits that he doesn't see eye to eye with the Humane Society. “I look at things different than the Humane Society looks at them. Of course. I understand that and they do too,” Havens said.
Photo of puppies not up for adoption by PhotoAbuse
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In all honesty, working together with breeders, fighters, animal abusers, etc. (not necessarily putting all of the above in the same category) is a novel approach that looks kind of effective so far. So long as the breeder stays out of business.
Maybe breeders & dog fighters would be willing to "sell" their animals to humane organizations on a larger scale than this. Like that whole gun trade in thing, which I'd guess was the inspiration.
Since dog fighters have experience working with animals maybe they can try their hand next at urban agriculture. With a good story to sell with produce they should be able to make a -more humane - killing.
Cerberus?
The puppies in the photo are from a pooch that was rescued along with 49 others from a puppy mill in Peotone, IL. The mother, Karma, stayed in a PAWS volunteers' home until the pups were old enough to be adopted.
I am SO getting myself a three-headed dog...
Dig, interesting observation.
I myself am the proud "human counterpart" of two dogs rescued from a breeder/puppy mill, and reportedly my dogs were surrendered voluntarily by the breeder. The female has clearly been worked out - having raised several litters - and I'm guessing she just wasn't physically capable of birthing more pups for their business.
I have to wonder how much these breeders and puppy mills really care about the animals, but it gives me some solace knowing there are a few out there who are willing to work with rescue groups to ensure a better life for them. Ideally this wouldn't be the case but I guess it's just the reality of the situation.