Puppy Mill Buyout = More Puppies Up for Adoption!

By Kevin Robinson in News on Jul 22, 2008 8:00PM

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