GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. — Over 100 dogs were flown into Michigan on Saturday that were rescued from commercial breeding and puppy mills.
After four months of planning, the Bissell Pet Foundation flew 138 dogs from the National Mill Dog Rescue in Missouri to the Gerald R. Ford International Airport in Grand Rapids.
“What we’re doing here is bringing awareness to commercial breeding and how many animals are being bred today. It’s nice to have diversification, but there’s just so much overbreeding going on right now,” said Cathy Bissell, founder of the Bissell Pet Foundation.
These rescued dogs came from states across the U.S. to the National Mill Dog Rescue, where they were they've been vetted and given medical attention.
The 138 dogs, who range in age, are going to 11 shelters across the state. 24 of them are going to the SPCA of Southwest Michigan, located in Kalamazoo County.
“We’re really excited. We typically don’t work with commercial breeding cases. This is my first one. But these are such beautiful, sweet, deserving dogs,” said Katie Timber, Executive Director of the SPCA of Southwest Michigan.
The SPCA of Southwest Michigan is participating in the Bissell Pet Foundation's Empty the Shelters Holiday Hope Event until Dec. 17, where the Bissell Pet Foundation pays adoption fees.
This allows adoptees to take home a spayed or neutered, fully vaccinated, and microchipped pet for $50 or less.
Those interested in adopting with the SPCA of Southwest Michigan can find out more on their website here.
