101 dogs rescued from possible puppy mill in Raleigh

RALEIGH, N.C. (WTVD) -- More than one hundred dogs were rescued from a possible puppy mill in Raleigh on Wednesday.

According to the Wake County SPCA, 101 puppies and dogs were rescued from a home near New Bern Avenue and New Hope Road.

The organization said the Wake County Animal Center reached out to ask if it could take in the dogs from the home. However, when SPCA staff members arrived, the owner had already signed all of the dogs over to law enforcement.

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As partners of the animal center, the SPCA said it and as well as a few other rescues took rescued some of the dogs from the home.

The SPCA took in a total of 15 dogs and puppies, including a mother dog with two newborn puppies, a couple of larger puppies, and other adult dogs, including senior dogs.

The organization said the dogs were kept in "egregious conditions" and had obvious health concerns. The dogs were taken in by eight different shelters and were undergoing medical assessments, the SPCA chapter said. Many dogs had matted fur as well as skin and dental issues.

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The dogs were crammed in stacked cages or roaming in confined quarters at the home. Many of the dogs were small breeds. Among those rescued were several puppies and older dogs.

It wasn't known whether the homeowner would face charges. A telephone call from The Associated Press to the Raleigh Police Department wasn't immediately returned Friday.

On Friday, the chapter said that several dogs under its care were "getting the spa day of their lives - and their first taste of fresh air, possibly ever. We're seeing a lot of smiles from these guys.
"This is the biggest moment in these dogs' lives, and we are feeling so grateful to be a part of their healing."

The Associated Press contributed.