On March 11, 2024, our Animal Rescue Team responded to an urgent rescue in Johnston County, Oklahoma. Over 200 dogs are in need of care from two separate puppy mill operations. Puppy mills are high-volume breeding facilities that churn out puppies for profit, ignoring the welfare of the pups and their mothers.
Dogs were found in bleak conditions, some suffering in overcrowded spaces where potentially deadly viral infections can easily spread. Among the population, we’ve seen dogs with goopy eyes, skin issues, missing hair and more. Some of the dogs living in outdoor pens had little protection from the elements.
Help get these dogs the care they need and give more animals the lives they deserve -- rush a gift today.
Updates
July 1: Following the rescue operation, the Humane Society of the United States cared for the animals at an undisclosed location for several months while the court process determined custody. We are in the process of transferring the animals to shelter and rescue partners to seek loving homes.
Mar. 14: All animals have been moved to a safe, undisclosed location where they received much-needed care. There are over a dozen nursing moms with litters among the population removed from the two properties. Several dogs are clearly pregnant and veterinarians expect more pregnancies will be identified as they continue in-depth exams. Veterinarians have noted that many of the dogs are underweight and have ailments including dental disease as well as skin and eye issues. More in-depth veterinary exams and treatment plans are underway.
Mar. 12: Our Animal Rescue Team removed approximately 250 dogs and puppies from the two properties. After receiving field examinations, the veterinarians noted some dogs lacked adequate veterinary care, including overgrown nails and dental disease. One puppy was in respiratory distress and was transferred to an emergency vet for intensive care and remained there overnight.
Mar. 11: Our Animal Rescue Team is caring for the animals they removed from two properties in Johnston County, Oklahoma, where over 150 dogs have been suffering from alleged cruelty. Dogs were found suffering in overcrowded spaces where potentially deadly viral infections can easily spread. Among the population, we’ve seen dogs with goopy eyes, skin issues, missing hair and more. Some of the dogs living in outdoor pens had little protection from the elements.
Inhumane high-volume dog breeding facilities churn out puppies for profit, often ignoring the welfare of the pups and their mothers. In addition to their physical suffering, dogs in puppy mills often suffer extreme mental trauma living in such stressful conditions. Donate now to help these animals get the urgent care they need and support all our lifesaving work.
Frequently asked questions
- What is a puppy mill?
- Was the resident of the property/animals arrested?
- How many animals did you rescue?
- What punishment will be given to the owner? Is she/he being prosecuted?
- Were these puppy mills shut down?
- Were the owners licensed?
- Were all of the animals rescued from the property?
- What will happen to the animals now?
- How can I adopt or foster one of the animals?
- Can I volunteer to help?
Our Animal Rescue Team rescued over 200 dogs from two puppy mills in Johnston County, OK. Help save these dogs and give more animals a better life.
What is a puppy mill?
A puppy mill is an inhumane, commercial dog breeding facility in which the health of the dogs is disregarded in order to maintain a low overhead and maximize profits.
Because most puppy mills are not illegal, we need help from the public to put an end to the consumer demand for their "product." You can learn more about puppy mills here.
Was the resident of the property/animals arrested?
The Johnston County Sheriff’s Office is handling the investigation and would be best suited to speak to any related matters.
Were these puppy mills shut down?
All the dogs and puppies were removed from these properties as part of an ongoing investigation by local law enforcement.
How many animals did you rescue?
We rescued approximately 250 animals from the properties. Following the rescue operation, multiple dogs who were pregnant at the time of the seizure gave birth, ultimately bringing the population to about 280 animals in need of placement.
What punishment will be given to the owner? Is she/he being prosecuted?
We are aware that following the seizure, both breeders involved were arrested and charged with multiple counts of felony animal cruelty. The Johnston County Sheriff’s Office is investigating this situation and would be best suited to provide further updates about any charges.
Were the owners licensed?
As far as we are aware, the breeders were not licensed by the USDA at the time of the seizure. According to public records, both breeders were licensed by the Oklahoma Department of Agriculture at the time of the seizure.
Were all of the animals rescued from the property?
We removed all the dogs and puppies from the two properties as well as several cats. There were farm animals on one of the properties who were not part of the warrant.
What will happen to the animals now?
The animals have been moved to a safe, undisclosed location where they are receiving much-needed care. We are focused on addressing their immediate needs at this time.
How can I adopt or foster one of the animals?
We are in the process of placing the animals with shelter and rescue partners including Green Dogs Unleashed, North Texas Australian Shepherd Rescue, Great Plains SPCA, Humane Society of Greater Kansas City and Oklahoma Humane Society. If interested in adopting or fostering, please reach out directly to one of these groups.
Some of our shelter and rescue partners have their own network of partners which they are facilitating further placement, so the above is not an exhaustive list of every group that may assist in finding homes for these animals.
Can I volunteer to help?
Thanks for your interest! Learn more about becoming an Animal Rescue Team volunteer.
