RAW VIDEO: Approximately 1,000 Dogs Rescued from W.Va. Kennel
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Updated: 1:19 AM Aug 26, 2008
RAW VIDEO: Approximately 1,000 Dogs Rescued from W.Va. Kennel
A Parkersburg-area breeder has surrendered approximately 1,000 dogs to humane society officials. WEB EXTRA: watch unedited video of the rescue.
Posted: 8:20 PM Aug 24, 2008
Reporter: Associated Press
Email Address: news@wsaz.com
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UPDATE: Monday
PARKERSBURG, W.Va. (AP) - It's a rescue operation that could cost as much as $200,000 -- nearly half the annual budget of the Humane Society of Parkersburg.

But Executive Director Maryann Hollis says it's worth it to see the grateful look in the eyes of any one of the nearly 1,000 dogs taken from a Parkersburg-area kennel over the weekend.

Wood County deputies discovered the dogs Saturday while executing a warrant at Whispering Oaks Kennels in their investigation of possible dog-related pollution.

Kennel owner Sharon Roberts said the dogs were well cared for by her and her six employees. But Hollis says it would be impossible for so few people to properly handle that many dogs.

While most of the animals are in relatively good health, Hollis says a few appear to be suffering from mange, hypoglycemia and heat exhaustion. One's hind legs are paralyzed, but Hollis says an animal rights group is buying a cart that will allow it to move around. The rest will eventually be put up for adoption.

Animal rescue groups from across the country are helping with the effort.


ORIGINAL STORY: Sunday
PARKERSBURG, W.Va. (AP) - A Parkersburg-area breeder has surrendered approximately 1,000 dogs to humane society officials.

While there were no signs that the purebred dachshunds had been abused, officials say it would be impossible for any human being to properly care for that many animals.

Carrie Roe, the board president for the Human Society of Parkersburg, says many of the dogs had never been touched by a human.

Sheriff's deputies investigating possible dog-related pollution found the dogs Saturday while executing a search warrant on the property.

Wood County Prosecutor Ginny Conley says the owner hasn't been cited for animal neglect but has agreed to never operate a dog-breeding business again.

The pollution investigation is ongoing.

Meanwhile, the humane society says the rescue operation could cost up to $100,000.

For information about adopting the dogs, click here to visit the Humane Society of Parkersburg's website.

Latest Comments

Posted by: Anonymous on Aug 1, 2009 at 10:03 PM

You might want to get on this story wsaz. This woman now has been caught operating a puppy mill in washinton county ohio. She was raided yesterday
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Posted by: Anonymous on Sep 3, 2008 at 07:02 PM

The good people of Parkersburg should adopt a dog that was already at the shelter before this happened then. If those people that are upset that only 60 purebreds were left there, there are plenty of other animals needing good homes at that shelter. All dogs have an adoption fee regardless of breed by the way.
[ Report Abuse ]
Posted by: Anonymous on Sep 2, 2008 at 05:37 PM

Everyone that got a sick dog from Sharon Roberts needs to get in contact with each other so they can file a class action lawsuit against her. Many had genetic problems that she guaranteed against. Now that she's out of business, how is she going to make good on the sick dogs she sold? She sold those animals with a health contract. I know many many many breeders are thrilled that the puppy mill is CLOSED. You go ahead and throw your money away on the puppy mill lady and let her try to fight this.
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