Free for the first time (Video)

Puppy mills are facilities that churn out puppies for the pet trade with an emphasis on profit over welfare. Dogs bred in puppy mills often live in small wire cages with little or no personal attention, exercise or veterinary care. Regardless, after an official complaint was filed with the National Animal Health Service (SENASA) and with the new laws set into place, these extra powers allowed police to access the home of an illegal puppy mill in the province of Cartago. The raid at the tiny house contained 18 French Poodles in wholly inadequate conditions. 

Purely designed for a mass breeding program, the pups and their mothers were being housed in deplorable living conditions, showing signs of malnutrition. Several had different health afflictions requiring specialized care. Because of the bad conditions and overcrowding, the dogs were confiscated and carried to the Asociación Humanitaria para la Protección Animal de Costa Rica, an animal shelter in the province of Heredia. At the shelter, the dogs are being thoroughly examined by a team of veterinarians and will receive any necessary medical treatment. The dogs at the AHPPA will be in constant interaction with people, becoming more sociable and companionable, to prepare them for adoption.

Dogs locked up 24 hours a day in cages

Two pregnant dogs and a one-month-old puppy were part of the rescue and are now being cared for by Club Poodle Club Costa Rica. Cynthia Dent, regional director for HSI/Latin America, said: “No animal should ever be subjected or forced to live in such deplorable conditions.” The most surprising thing happened when the dogs, brought back to the shelter, were able to run for the first time of their existence and to feel the soft grass under their pads and the wind in their hairs. Watch the video, they was so happy!