More cocker spaniels dumped in Salem Township; cockapoos also found

Posted on Mon, Apr 11, 2011 : 2:48 p.m.

More cocker spaniels dumped in Salem Township; cockapoos also found

By Lisa Allmendinger

Four more dogs were found abandoned in Salem Township this weekend near the spot where seven cocker spaniels were found last week, the Humane Society of Huron Valley said today.

Tanya Hilgendorf, executive director of the humane society, said two cocker spaniels and two cockapoos were found near the intersection of Five Mile and Salem roads.

These cockapoos were found abandoned in Salem Township over the weekend.

Humane Society of Huron Valley photo

Cockapoos, a cocker spaniel-poodle cross, rarely end up in humane society custody, said Deb Kern, marketing director.

“Someone’s definitely dumping them and it looks like a breeder,” Hilgendorf said of the dogs.

The dogs have all been neglected, Humane Society officials said. They believe the cocker spaniels may have come from what is known as a "puppy mill," where breeders put profits above animal welfare. Once dogs no longer add to a puppy mill’s profit margin, they become disposable, Hilgendorf said.

A family helped the Humane Society live trap one dog Sunday night and another one was found under someone’s deck on Saturday night, she said.

The dog found under the deck is a brown male cocker spaniel about 5 years old that the Human Society named Willow, Kern said in an email.

Humane Society officials are letting the black dog captured Sunday settle in, Kern said, so they don't know the dog's sex or approximate age.

The humane society named this rescued cocker spaniel Willow.

Humane Society photo

The cockapoos are believed to be about 9 months old. One is a male and one is a female.

Three of the original seven dumped cocker spaniels, which Humane Society officials believe were all used for breeding, have been adopted, including the oldest, a blind dog that is estimated to be about 12 years old.

“A women drove an hour and a half to adopt that dog, to give it a chance for a happy home,” Hilgendorf said.

People have applied to adopt the other dogs as well, she said.

The recently captured dogs are being assessed medically and behaviorally and officials plan to place them up for adoption as well.

This black cocker spaniel has not been named yet.

Humane society photo

The Humane Society is still seeking information about who might have dumped these dogs and offering a $500 reward for the arrest and conviction of the person or persons involved.

Anyone with any information about who might have dumped the dogs or where they came from should call the humane society anonymous tip line at 734-661-3551.

Hilgendorf also urged anyone who has a pet he or she can no longer care for to contact the humane society.

“In general, if you are a loving pet owner and run into hard times, come talk to us,” she said.

The Humane Society offers a veterinary hardship program as well as a food program for pet owners who want to keep an animal but are having financial difficulty.

The shelter, 734-662-5585 is open daily from noon to 6 p.m.

Lisa Allmendinger is a regional reporter for AnnArbor.com and can be reached at lisaallmendinger@annarbor.com.

Comments

roadsidedinerlover

Wed, Apr 13, 2011 : 10:51 p.m.

Here is a suggestion...why doesn't the Humane Society or the Sheriff set up a sting in that area to catch these horrid "people? If they have done it two times already, they will try it again. They seem stupid to return the area twice, not to mention cruel to these beautiful animals! Why has there been so much dog/animal abuse in the Washtenaw area? It boggles the mind and frightens and digusts me. I think it should be a school subject to learn how to treat all animals in a humane way.

Nan

Wed, Apr 13, 2011 : 3:12 a.m.

Although this whole situation is just horrible, the message at the end is really important: There are OPTIONS for people who cannot take care of their pets due to financial constraints, Contact your local Humane Society for advice guidance.

jns131

Tue, Apr 12, 2011 : 2:01 a.m.

I love poodle mixes. I have a chihuahua poodle mix and he is a doll. We have a rescue chihuahua. OMG I have the urge to go adopt that black one. I have a name in mind......As for the dog dumpster? Any one want a pitch fork and/or torch? Sounds like we need to form a team to go find us some puppy millers. This is just too much. My family will hate me but I am truly touched by that black one. An hour and half to adopt one of the dogs. Wow.

UtrespassM

Tue, Apr 12, 2011 : 1:45 a.m.

I like to adopt a one of the cockapoos, the one is holding by the lady wearing pink shirt.

bunnyabbot

Tue, Apr 12, 2011 : 12:47 a.m.

if it were a backyard breeder perhaps someone who has purchased a like breed dog within the last year or so might have the "breeders" contact info still, whether it is an email or phone number. Check craigslist, the archives only go back 60 days but maybe investigators can contact craigslist to get further archival postings.

bunnyabbot

Sun, Apr 17, 2011 : 7:10 p.m.

@jns131. Craigslist does have it's uses. I have used it to sell many things and buy a couple. However, after checking out the pet listings I no longer look at them, they are heart breaking to read a familys ad listing why they have to rehome thier dog and then the listings that seem cold hearted about the same subject. Lost and Found is just as sad with listings of frantic owners searching for a missing or stolen dog. Sadly, responsible posters will also post ads stating "dead dog spotted on such and such road" in an effort to let someone out there find their beloved pet and give the owners some closure and ability to take care of thier pets final needs. Dogs (and cats) really are stolen for some sick persons attempt at making some money off of them, whether it is to get reward money, breeding, sell them to a new unsuspecting owner or deliver them for medical research

jns131

Tue, Apr 12, 2011 : 2:06 a.m.

I just read on one of my boards that one of their dogs was stolen and the thief tried to sell the animal on Craigs list. Isn't that wild? They got the dog back but still, I think that was just way too much. I hate Craigs list. I mean it is ok, but it is way unregulated.

julieswhimsies

Mon, Apr 11, 2011 : 9:43 p.m.

I will be in touch with HVHS. I will rescue one of these dogs.

bedrog

Mon, Apr 11, 2011 : 9:20 p.m.

Volunteering at the Huron Valley Humane Society is easy online, and fun and worthwhile to do. Check out their website at "hshv.org" , click on volunteering and you're on your way. After a short orientation session, and 10 hours of shelter support work ( laundry, cleaning up etc) and you can move on to hands on work with animals.

Susan Montgomery

Mon, Apr 11, 2011 : 8:53 p.m.

So grateful that we have the Humane Society to take care of these animals and find them good homes. To support them in their mission, visit the "support" page at <a href="http://www.hshv.org/" rel='nofollow'>http://www.hshv.org/</a> .

jns131

Tue, Apr 12, 2011 : 2:10 a.m.

Susan? We need more people like you to help Missouri keep their beloved voted in law to regulate puppy mills in their state. Did you know that Missouri is the largest puppy mill breeder in the country? Did you know the state lawmakers are trying to repeal it? Disgusting. I sign everything ASPCA sends my way.

ChelseaGirl

Mon, Apr 11, 2011 : 7:51 p.m.

This just breaks my heart. I'd take them all if I could

kay

Mon, Apr 11, 2011 : 7:19 p.m.

I am so disgusted with people who care so little about an animal/pet. Who would ever dump an animal and say, "fend for yourself." These kind of people are a disgrace to human society. I am so glad I don't know you.