Local Shelter Rescues 17 Dogs from Alleged Puppy Mill

COLUMBIA, S.C. (WOLO) — “These dogs are basically money and that is what it appeared that they cared about, was turning a profit,” says Denise Wilkinson, Pawmetto Lifeline Wilkinson says they took the dogs in after a shelter volunteer alerted them of the reported situation. “The dreadlocks were matted with urine and feces. The volunteer that picked them up, said she could hardly breathe in the vehicle it just had such a strong ammonia smell from the urine,” says Wilkinson According to the ASPCA there are currently no laws in South Carolina concerning puppy mills. Though, we found, some counties do have ordinances against them. Back at Pawmetto Lifeline, “Katrina” runs and plays today, but just weeks ago this is what shelter employees say she looked like. Look closely at the dogs in the pictures, then look at the one puppy, “Pax,” it’s a stark difference. “While you may be getting a pretty, cute little puppy you have no idea what their parents have been put through,” says Wilkinson While shelter employees could not give much information on the situation or where the dogs were found, we do know they were taken from a Midlands home. Now they are looking for a new home, but the care won’t exactly be easy. “They have to be taught everything, from language skills to how to play with a toy, how to interact with another dog. They have basically lived their life in a cage, being bred their whole life. They’re not given the proper medical care,” says Wilkinson If you’re interested in adopting one of the dogs in this story, Pawmetto Lifeline will hold an event on March 7th and 8th from 12 noon to 5:00 p.m. each day.