3 dogs rescued from puppy mill await adoption at Grayslake shelter

Three dogs that endured horrific treatment in a forced breeding operation are now safe in a Grayslake shelter.

Two Chihuahuas and a miniature pinscher were among nearly 70 dogs rescued last week from what authorities called a "puppy mill" in Chicago.

The animals are now at Save-A-Pet and are available for adoption, shelter manager Dana Deutsch said Tuesday.

"We are looking for donations and foster homes to help get these little ones back on their feet and into new forever homes," she said.

The dogs were rescued after agents from the Cook County Sheriff's Police and the U.S. Department of Agriculture raided a home on the South Side.

Authorities removed the dogs from a home where police say some animals were stuffed into bird cages and living without adequate food or water. A minority of the dogs were puppies. Most were adult dogs used as breeding stock.

Once news of the raid hit the airwaves, hundreds of people showed up at Chicago Animal Care and Control hoping to adopt the dogs. Representing Save-A-Pet, Deutsch showed up to take as many dogs as possible. "People were lined up around the block," she said. "But by then, the dogs had been given to local shelters."

Deutsch said the 8-month-old miniature pinscher, and 5-year-old Chihuahua are both in good health after receiving veterinary treatment. The other Chihuahua is 10 years old and is still getting medical care, but will be ready for adoption soon. The adoption fee is $150 per dog, Deutsch said.

Puppy mills typically force adult dogs to breed continuously in filthy and dangerous conditions, Deutsch explained. Profit is the primary motivation.

"People need to realize how horrific and how common these are," she said.

Founded in 1972, Save-A-Pet currently has about 130 dogs and 200 cats at their place in Grayslake. They also have 60 dogs and nearly 100 cats in foster care. All are awaiting adoption. For details, call (847) 740-7788