100+ Puppies, Dogs Rescued From Filth, Disease At Harford County Breeder's Home

HARFORD COUNTY, MD — More than 100 puppies and dogs were rescued from an AKC-affiliated breeding operation in Harford County Wednesday, authorities said.

Harford County sheriff's deputies served a search and seizure warrant on the property Aug. 27, where people were breeding Havanese and Biewer terriers. According to the Humane World for Animals (formerly called the Humane Society of the United States), the Harford County Sheriff's Office requested assistance from the organization because of signs of neglect at the breeder's home.

Rescuers reported dogs living in "filthy conditions," roaming around the residence, while others were stuck in cramped, stacked wire-bottom cages without access to food or water. Some of the cages were 1-foot by 1.5-feet in size.

The organization said some of the dogs were severely matted and the veterinarians they work with on rescues said many dogs had eye discharge, skin infections and dental abscesses, among other health issues.

One female dog was found in a whelping box lying next to her dead 3-week-old puppy while nursing its littermates, rescuers reported.

Laura Koivula, director of animal crimes and investigations with Humane World for Animals who lives in Maryland, told Patch that when she arrived at the scene in Harford County, "It was worse than I expected."

"The ammonia specifically was really overwhelming — the air was brutal. When I saw the condition of the dogs, I knew that the medical needs were going to be significant. It was heartbreaking and emotionally intense all around," Koivula told Patch.

Koivula has been rescuing animals for around 14 years with the last 10 years spent working with the Humane World for Animals. She previously worked in humane law enforcement.

Her role at the scene in Harford County was that of evidence chief to make sure everything was documented at the scene, specifically the animals and their conditions, and that she followed the appropriate chain of custody. That information is then provided to the sheriff's office to support their investigation, Koivula told Patch.

"It’s really an honor to be asked into the community by a law enforcement agency that’s doing such great work. And of course, getting the animals out of that situation so we can provide them with the care they need is gratifying. The animals’ relief is palpable as we work through this medical grooming process, shave their matting off and start medical treatment plans," Koivula told Patch.

Thursday, the rescue team started medical grooming of the dogs to free them from severely matted fur that was caked in feces. Many of the dogs will require surgery and many were emaciated. They are being treated at an undisclosed location, Koivula said.

“Many of them have a long road to recovery ahead, but we are excited to see them perking up as they start to get the care they’ve desperately needed," Koivula added.

Stacy Volodin, Maryland state director of the Humane World for Animals, said rescuers couldn't walk more than a mere few feet without stepping around a dog or slipping in their waste.

"We are grateful to the Harford County Sheriff's Office for their work to investigate and intervene in this situation. Thanks to everyone, this is the last day these dogs and puppies have to live like this," she said.

Harford County Sheriff Jeffrey Gahler said he appreciated the help from the rescuers with the Humane World for Animals.

"Our animal control unit plays a vital role in protecting the health and safety of both animals and our community," Gahler said. "Through strong partnerships with local organizations like Humane World for Animals and our local humane society, as well as engaged citizens, we're able to respond compassionately to situations where animals are at risk. Together, we can work to see that every animal in Harford County is treated with dignity and care."