60 of 200 Dogs From Alleged Puppy Mill Arrive in Grand Rapids
On Thursday, Grand Rapids, MI witnessed the arrival of 60 of 200 dogs saved from an alleged puppy mill, in a heartening rescue effort by the Bissel Pet Foundation.
This rescue operation was prompted by a critical call to action in February 2024, when the BISSELL Pet Foundation Animal Incident Management (AIM) team promptly responded to a distress call from the Chatham County Sheriff’s Office in Bear Creek, NC. Disturbing reports unveiled the grim reality of over 200 dogs subjected to appalling conditions and neglect.
The animals were seized and suspected puppy mill owners were arrested and charged with 190 felonies and 25 misdemeanors of animal cruelty, a historic case for North Carolina, officials said.
Bissell told The Grand Rapids Press that the case is still ongoing, so some details couldn’t be shared because the trial by jury still needs to happen.
The following shelters across Michigan will receive the remaining 60 dogs:
Big Lake Humane Society - Muskegon
Detroit Dog Rescue - Detroit
Greater Hillsdale Humane Society - Osseo
Harbor Humane Society - West Olive
Humane Animal Treatment Society - Mt. Pleasant
Little Traverse Bay Humane Society - Harbor Springs
LuvNPups - West Michigan
SPCA of Southwest Michigan - Kalamazoo
Cathy Bissell, founder of the BISSELL Pet Foundation, underscored months of unwavering dedication to granting these dogs a fresh start.
“Let these wonderful dogs act as a reminder of why you should always check animal shelters first when considering adding a pet to your family,” she said. “If you decide to purchase from a breeder, please visit the site and get references. If it feels wrong, walk away and report it to local authorities. If we eliminate sales for puppy mills, they will shut down.”
However, behind these heartwarming stories lies the harsh truth of systemic neglect and exploitation perpetuated by puppy mills – breeding facilities driven by profit, devoid of concern for animal welfare. The initial 200 dogs rescued bore witness to cramped cages, unsanitary conditions, and a callous disregard for their well-being.
Subsequent legal actions against the suspected puppy mill operators marked a significant milestone for North Carolina, with charges totaling 190 felonies and 25 misdemeanors of animal cruelty. While the rescued dogs received temporary shelter and medical attention, their journey towards healing and recovery has only just begun.
As Michigan shelters eagerly awaited the arrival of these resilient beings, armed with crates and compassionate hearts, the promise of a brighter future beckoned. The Harbor Humane Society in West Olive extended a warm welcome to approximately 20 dogs, eager to provide them with the care and affection they rightfully deserve.
These rescued dogs underwent thorough medical evaluations and received the support and nurturing care of foster families, paving the way for their eventual adoption into loving forever homes.
Cathy Bissell reiterated the importance of responsible pet adoption, urging individuals to prioritize shelters over commercial breeders.
“These businesses survive because they are breeding so many pets at a time — hundreds of babies,” Bissell added. “So when a few die, it doesn’t matter because they have backup, and that’s what people need to understand. There are so many terrific animals in the shelter system today, and why people wouldn’t choose a shelter first, I don’t know. We need to stop the greed and look to our shelters.”
BISSELL Pet Foundation, a national animal welfare organization dedicated to ending pet homelessness, has saved over 734,000 pets since being founded in 2011. The animal welfare organization’s support for the dogs includes grant funding, placement assistance, boots-on-the-ground aid, and transport.
