FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Date: August 22, 2007
Contact: Carol Ann MacKinnon, Program Coordinator, 985-3244 x117, carolann@animalwelfaresociety.org

Animal Welfare Society Assists with Major Puppy Mill Seizure in York County
Buxton, ME – At the request of the state’s Department of Animal Welfare, the Animal Welfare Society of West Kennebunk, Maine is assisting with a major dog seizure at a local Buxton puppy mill.
On Tuesday, August 21st the AWS Response team was up before dawn preparing for what proved to be a very eventful day. Upon arrival, the Buxton Police Department along with The Department of Animal Welfare and several representatives from the Humane Society of the United States secured the site and collected evidence for the case. Shortly thereafter, the AWS Response Team consisting of over 40 staff and volunteers accompanied others from The Animal Refuge League in Westbrook to begin the arduous task of identifying, photographing, and cataloguing the dogs and pups. Approximately 275 animals were seized of which the majority will remain on site where our professional crew will care for them. An AWS Shelter Manager commented while gathering supplies for the animals, “I’m just so impressed with everyone. Our team has behaved in such a professional manner under some really difficult conditions.”
Puppy Mills are facilities that are in the business of breeding and selling animals in large quantities and where the conditions are beyond substandard. They place greater importance on their profit than the welfare of the animals. Puppies from mills frequently have congenital defects and behavior problems so it’s very important that people, when thinking of bringing a new puppy into the family, to do some research and find out the puppy’s origin. Unfortunately, many well-intentioned people inadvertently contribute to this shameful industry by purchasing without doing their homework.


The Animal Welfare Society will continue to provide care for these animals for an unlimited period of time and with the staff being used to its maximum, the Society is asking for anyone who is interested in volunteering to please contact them immediately. With the impending drain on their resources, they are also in need of monetary donations and pet supplies. For more information please contact The Animal Welfare Society at 985-3244.