Labradors rescued from alleged Plains puppy mill

MONTANA -- Dozens of dogs and puppies were rescued from an alleged puppy mill in Plains over the weekend.

Volunteers and staff with the Thompson River Animal Care Shelter in Sanders County rescued the 31 Labradors after the homeowner was evicted from her Plains home on Friday.

Wanda Thorpe, founder of TRACS, says they have known of the breeding situation for years, but couldn't get involved because they didn't have probable cause to go on the woman's property. Thorpe believes the woman was evicted after failing to pay her mortgage.

Thorpe says they were notified by a neighbor that the breeder had loaded up her car with one dog and her belongings and left Saturday morning, leaving the dogs behind locked in the home and barn.

The shelter rescued the dogs Sunday afternoon just after 1:00pm. She says the labs are in somewhat good condition, with minor health problems such as worms in the puppies. She said a few of the dogs are pregnant. Thorpe says the dogs were very thirsty when they arrived, drinking buckets of water.

She believes the dogs were without water and food since Friday night or Saturday morning.

"People should be very, very cautious when they go to purchase dogs, puppies, etc. from these kids of breeding situations and I would encourage everybody when they look for a new family member, of the furry kind, to go to their local shelter or TRACS, don't support these breeders because this is the kind of thing that can happen," Thorpe said.

Sanders County Sheriff Tom Rummel tells us they are putting together their investigation and will forward their findings to the Sanders County Attorney's office, where it will be up to the attorney's office to file charges against the breeder.

The shelter is now in the process getting the animals medical care and are beginning the adoption process. Thorpe said the dogs are a bit frightened but believes once they get one-on-one attention they will be great dogs. She said the dogs are primarily black Labradors, with a few chocolate and yellow adults.

If you are interested in adopting one of these dogs, Thorpe asks that you go to their website and fill out an adoption form. You can submit it online or via fax. Thorpe says they will have pictures of the dogs online as well as an adoption fee depending on what each dog requires for medical care.

There will be an adoption event Saturday Dec. 13th, at Pet Smart in Missoula from 12-5 p.m.
Thorpe says they will have a few of the labs to adopt as well as other breeds.

(MTN News Missoula - Dec 9, 2014)