PetSmart Charities Assists Hundreds of Rescued Dogs in South Carolina

PetSmart Charities dispatched its Emergency Relief Waggin’ vehicle, stocked with $90,000 worth of crucial supplies, to the scene of an alleged puppy mill situation in Johnston, S.C. The Humane Society of the United States (HSUS) and the Humane Society of Charlotte were called in by the Edgefield County Sheriff’s Office to assist in the rescue of approximately 250 animals.

The sheriff’s office found more than 200 dogs of various breeds and ages living in deplorable conditions. The dogs, which ranged in breed from chihuahuas and maltese to boxers and golden retrievers, suffered from eye infections, skin irritations, dental problems and lack of socialization. Nursing mothers and their puppies were kept in filthy rabbit hutches, while larger breeds were in pens or running loose on the property.

The 53-foot PetSmart Charities’ Emergency Relief Waggin’ trailer and its 16-tons of cargo departed the PetSmart Distribution Center in Newnan, GA bound for the scene, where animal-rescue teams will operate an emergency shelter. The vehicle was stocked with crucial supplies, including pet food, wire crates, plastic carriers, bowls, fans, a generator, a battery charger and lights to aid the animal rescuers on scene.

"PetSmart Charities also dispatches a team of specially trained volunteers to the scene,” said Susana Della Maddalena, executive director of PetSmart Charities, Inc. “The volunteers are able to unload supplies and set up the temporary shelter very quickly, enabling on-the-ground rescuers to immediately attend to the animal victims.”

“It’s simply unacceptable for dogs to be housed in such cruel conditions,” said Kim Kelly, South Carolina state director for the HSUS. “We’re thankful that the Edgefield County Sheriff’s Office acted on this case and called us for help.”

Read more about the rescue at the HSUS website.
Image via the Humane Society of the United States