ASPCA: 48 yellow labs seized from unlicensed breeding facility in WI: "No way for a dog to live"

ELMWOOD, Wisconsin -- The ASPCA on Friday, April 22nd assisted the Pierce County Sheriff's Office with the seizure of 48 dogs from an unlicensed breeding facility in Elmwood, Wisconsin, according to a release from the ASPCA.

According to the release, the dogs were seized on Friday morning after warrants were served.

The breeding facility's owner was booked into the Pierce County Jail for mistreatment of animals, not providing proper food to confined animals and improper animal sheltering, ASPCA officials said in the release.

According to the ASPCA, 35 adult dogs and 13 puppies, all yellow labs, were discovered living indoors in small, filthy travel crates with no access to food or water.



The release states that "numerous deceased animals" were found on the property.

ASPCA officials said the property is believed to be a puppy mill -- a large-scale breeding operation designed to generate profit at the cost of the animals' health and well-being.

"What we saw here is no way for a dog to live. The puppies at breeding facilities are sold for profit, but many people don't realize that their parents are often kept there for years -- subjected to incessant breeding and usually lacking basic care and socialization, resulting in a very poor quality of life," Kathryn Destreza, director of investigations for the ASPCA said in the statement.

Pierce County Sheriff Nancy Hove said in the statement that this case started with a complaint from a concerned citizen who was appalled by the condition these animals were exposed to. Deputies then responded to the complaint and determined the allegations had merit.

The 48 dogs were transported to a facility in Golden Valley, Minnesota -- where they received urgent medical treatment from veterinarians.

According to the ASPCA statement, the dogs are currently considered evidence -- and will be cared for until custody is determined by the court.