Puppy mill - over a dozen dogs seized Skiatook, OK (US)Incident Date: Friday, Jan 30, 2009 County: Osage
Disposition: Not Charged Case Images: 1 files available
Abuser names unreleased
The Tulsa Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals on Friday recovered more than a dozen Shih Tzus from what it described as a puppy breeding mill west of Skiatook.
The dogs, which were dirty and had severely matted coats, were taken to the organization's shelter along with a toy fox terrier, a mixed breed Labrador, one kitten, and a rooster, which has already been adopted, Tulsa SPCA officials said.
The rescued animals will temporarily be kept at the shelter for evaluation and observation. They will be examined Monday for diseases.
The female owner turned over the animals following complaints from neighbors about her inability to care for the growing numbers of dogs.
Officials said the woman was caring for about 50 dogs, cats and pigs, which were in cages and loose inside and outside of the home.
"The owner appeared to be absolutely overwhelmed with the animals," said Pat Atkinson, a spokeswoman for Tulsa SPCA.
A local attorney, who had gone to the home on another matter, also contacted Tulsa SPCA about the filthy living conditions and the excessively high number of animals living at the trailer house in Osage County.
D'Ann Berson, operations manager for Tulsa SPCA, said last week's ice storm prevented the group from removing the dogs on Tuesday.
"The women had all of these animals and it wasn't a good situation," she said.
Two large pigs continue to live with the owner while Tulsa SPCA searches for a pig rescue organization where they can be placed.
Several volunteers have bathed, groomed and treated the animals and have provided health services such as shots, flea and tick treatment and blood draws for screening.
The Tulsa SPCA hopes to have the animals -- dubbed "the Valentine Kids -- ready for adoption by Feb. 14. References |