Thirty of the puppies rescued during a raid in Mississippi were brought to Atlanta on Saturday.
It was announced Thursday that more than 120 small-breed dogs were seized in Alcorn County, Mississippi, at what the Atlanta Humane Society called puppy mills.
The raid was the joint effort of several humane societies, and the puppies will be split between multiple groups, Atlanta Humane Society spokeswoman Meredith Millwood told The Atlanta Journal Constitution on Saturday.
The dogs were kept in filthy conditions, repeatedly bred for profit and sold at flea markets, Millwood previously said.
Spurred by local residents, the national Humane Society investigated and later signed an affidavit for a warrant to seize the animals, she said. No arrests were made.
Some of the dogs are underweight, but “most look healthy and happy,” she said.
“Following the spay and neuter surgical procedures, it will take some time to address all the needs of the animals and make sure they are properly vetted,” Dr. Gloria Dorsey, vice president of medical services at the Atlanta Humane Society, said in a news release. “Beyond surgery, it’s about giving these animals proper care and giving them a little time to decompress. We need to help some gain weight and since some were suffering from tooth decay, they will need tooth extractions. So our biggest priority is getting these animals healthy.”
After the dogs are prepared for adoption, the animal-welfare organization expects strong demand.
“I think we’re going to be able to find them homes — no problem,” Millwood said.
The animals are expected to be ready for adoption in seven to 10 days, authorities said. Half will be available at the Howell Mill Shelter in Midtown, while the other half will be at the Mansell Shelter in Alpharetta.
—Staff writer Steve Visser contributed to this report.
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