spcaLA Rescues Pet Shop Dogs From Deplorable Conditions

Milagras after she was rescued

Recently, humane officers from the Society for Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Los Angeles (spcaLA) made a disturbing discovery when they responded to an anonymous tip about dogs being kept in deplorable conditions in a Los Angeles pet shop. The officers found seven dogs, including a young Chihuahua mix, in very bad shape.

spcaLA President Madeline Bernstein said in a press release, “These dogs [were] living in unsanitary conditions with no water in an unventilated area.”

All seven dogs were rushed to an animal hospital for immediate medical attention. The Chihuahua mix barely survived the ordeal. She was found unresponsive and lying in her own feces. Thankfully, she has recovered and is doing very well. Because her recovery is considered to be nothing short of miraculous, she has been given the name “Milagras,” which is Spanish for miracle.

Bernstein said, “Without their intervention, Milagras would not have survived.”

Currently, an investigation into the animal cruelty charges is underway. Under Senate Bill 917, if found guilty, the pet shop owners could face a maximum jail sentence of one year as well as a fine of $20,000. The bill was recently signed into law by California Governor, Jerry Brown according to sfgate.com.

Last year in Southern California, the West Hollywood City Council passed legislation banning the sale of dogs and cats in pet stores. However, they included a stipulation that would allow pet stores that sold rescued animals to continue doing business. This set the stage for a new trend – the combination of a shelter and rescue dog adoption in pet stores that had not previously existed. One such shop, Adopt & Shop in Lakewood, Calif., is the first of its kind. They bring in adoptable cats and dogs from the Southeast Area Animal Control Authority (SEAACA), in Downey, Calif.

Aimee Gilbreath, executive director of Found Animals, told i Love Dogs, “The theory is that there would be a lot of people open to adopting their next pet if the process were convenient. Our goal is to bring the pets to the people in a convenient location with retail hours, and make the process fun and easy for them.”

All the dogs have recovered and are currently being housed in a spcaLA facility. For more information about these dogs, please visit their website.

If you’re looking to adopt a dog, please consider a rescue. There are many wonderful shelters and rescue organizations that would be more than happy to help you find the right dog for your lifestyle.

PHOTO: The Pawllywood Reporter

Sonya Simpkins

Sonya Simpkins is a contributing writer for i Love Dogs, Inc. In her spare time, she loves to take her dogs for long hikes and treks to the beach, out to eat and on long road trips across the county. She then turns those adventures into useful advice for other dog parents who also love to take their dogs with them wherever they go.