Thirty-one animals seized from Isabella puppy mill – The Morning Sun

Thirty-one animals — including 30 dogs and a goat — were seized from an Isabella County property Wednesday afternoon.

The owner is expected to be formally charged Thursday afternoon.

The dogs were used to breed puppies sold either as hunting dogs or to protect and/or herd livestock, according to the Isabella rescue operation manager who received the dogs.

Isabella County animal welfare advocates have known about the property for years, said Amanda Tillotson, director of the Humane Animal Treatment Society. For years, the owner posted ads on his Facebook page advertising the sale of dogs bred and trained for hunting.

Animal Shelter on Wednesday. The dogs were among 30 seized from an Isabella County puppy mill on Wednesday afternoon. (Photo of the sun by Eric Baerren)” width=”2952″ data-sizes=”auto” src=”https://i0.wp.com/www.themorningsun.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/Amanda-and-dogs.jpg?fit=620%2C9999px&ssl=1″ srcset=”https://i0.wp.com/www.themorningsun.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/Amanda-and-dogs.jpg?fit=620%2C9999px&ssl=1 620w,https://i0.wp.com/www.themorningsun.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/Amanda-and-dogs.jpg?fit=210%2C9999px&ssl=1 210w”/>

The 31 animals were taken to the Isabella County Animal Shelter throughout Wednesday afternoon and evening, she said. He’s been told some dogs are staying on the property and are loose so they expect more dogs to arrive.

Deputies from the Isabella County Sheriff‘s Office, along with animal control officers from Isabella and Gratiot counties, raided the property Wednesday afternoon. It is not known what triggered the police action.

The 30 dogs – including 22 females – were reportedly kept on the property with no access to shade. Many animals were terrified of being indoors, Tillotson said, indicating they had never spent time under a roof.

None of the animals showed aggressive behavior, but they are not used to being around people. Many of them came to the shelter with matted fur. Animal shelter staff also monitor them for their behavior.

The animals still technically belong to the owner, which limits efforts to find places for each of them, she said. Two adoptable dogs have been transferred from the Isabella County Animal Shelter to the County Clare Animal Shelter to help ease the additional load created by the influx of dogs.

Tillotson said she hopes the courts will secure the animals’ release on Thursday so they can find new places for them to receive medical care with the ultimate goal of adopting them.

HATS is asking for help from the wider community. The organization, which is contracted by the county to operate the shelter, needs collars, harnesses and leashes for large animals; canned dog food (all kinds); treats for dogs; Purina One Puppy and Adult Dry Food; big nylw/benabones chews and big Kong toys; dog treats and peanut butter; non-perishable chicken or beef broth; garbage bag; medium size examination gloves; Clorox paper towels and wipes; carabiners and zip ties; and Gatorade for staff, according to a social media post. Cash donations are also welcome.

The shelter has already received 40 cases from Michigan Doodle Rescue Connect.