2 shepherds seized from suspected puppy mill give birth
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BELLINGHAM, Wash. -- Two of the 48 miniature Australian shepherds seized from a suspected puppy mill operation gave birth on Wednesday.
One of the mothers was in such distress that the veterinarian had to perform an emergency Cesarean section. And judging by her scars, Monday's procedure was not her first, according to Laura Clark, director of Whatcom Humane Society.
The other dog gave birth to six puppies, Clark said, and at least seven others dogs are pregnant.
Whatcom County investigators say they are among the dozens of dogs that were forced into overcrowded filthy cages and made to live without enough water.
The dogs have since been seized from the suspected puppy mill, but officials say the animals are shy and nervous. Some are too scared to even pass through doorways, and one puppy - number 39 - won't even venture out of her small kennel.
"(They are) really good-looking dogs with a ton of potential, just in the wrong place," said Clark.
Investigators say owner Kenneth Cassell kept the dogs locked up in filthy cages in a barn north of Ferndale.
"We believe that this was your classic puppy mill operation used solely for breeding and selling," said Clark.
Concerned neighbors first alerted animal control officers several months ago. Each time a call came in, officers carefully documented their findings in order to build a strong case.
"We've been diligently trying to get Mr. Cassell to provide just basic care for these animals," said Clark. "He's been unwilling to do so."
Cassell has been charged with 21 counts of animal cruelty, as well as more than 80 counts of failure to provide adequate space and water. He is due in court next week.
The dogs will remain in protective custody while the case moves forward.
One of the mothers was in such distress that the veterinarian had to perform an emergency Cesarean section. And judging by her scars, Monday's procedure was not her first, according to Laura Clark, director of Whatcom Humane Society.
The other dog gave birth to six puppies, Clark said, and at least seven others dogs are pregnant.
Whatcom County investigators say they are among the dozens of dogs that were forced into overcrowded filthy cages and made to live without enough water.
The dogs have since been seized from the suspected puppy mill, but officials say the animals are shy and nervous. Some are too scared to even pass through doorways, and one puppy - number 39 - won't even venture out of her small kennel.
"(They are) really good-looking dogs with a ton of potential, just in the wrong place," said Clark.
Investigators say owner Kenneth Cassell kept the dogs locked up in filthy cages in a barn north of Ferndale.
"We believe that this was your classic puppy mill operation used solely for breeding and selling," said Clark.
Concerned neighbors first alerted animal control officers several months ago. Each time a call came in, officers carefully documented their findings in order to build a strong case.
"We've been diligently trying to get Mr. Cassell to provide just basic care for these animals," said Clark. "He's been unwilling to do so."
Cassell has been charged with 21 counts of animal cruelty, as well as more than 80 counts of failure to provide adequate space and water. He is due in court next week.
The dogs will remain in protective custody while the case moves forward.
