Some seized pups will go to Wake SPCA

Raleigh, N.C. — The Humane Society has decided that 283 dogs seized from a suspected puppy mill in Wayne County will be available for adoption through 11 shelters throughout the southeast.

The following list of locations was released Wednesday afternoon.

• SPCA of Wake County
• Humane Society of Charlotte
• Washington Animal Rescue League
• Montgomery County Humane Society
• SPCA Tampa Bay
• Dachshund Rescue of North America
• Norfolk SPCA
• Chihuahua Rescue and Transport
• Pawfect Match Rescue
• The Sterile Feral
• Richmond SPCA

The dogs must first be examined by a vet, then they will go to rescue groups and humane society groups for rehabilitation and adoption, Humane Society of the United States spokeswoman Jordan Crump said.

The dogs were removed from Thornton Kennels last week. Owner Virginia Thornton agreed to surrender the dogs to the Humane Society Tuesday.

The dogs – mostly shih-tzus, chihuahuas and Lhasa apsos – have been treated for infections, Crump said.

“They've been neglected,” Humane Society spokeswoman Kathleen Summers said. “They were not bred to live their lives in small cages. It's very cruel."