By Scott E. Williams
The Daily News
February 17, 2007

ALGOA — The Galveston County Animal Shelter is full to capacity after a raid on a facility that county officials described as a “puppy mill” created an influx of 108 furry residents.

The 94 dogs, four cats and 10 sugar glider squirrels came to the center on Texas City’s Loop 197 North on Wednesday. The dogs were of various breeds.

County Health District spokesman Kurt Koopmann said animal-control officers went to a building in Algoa in response to an anonymous report of animals kept there in unhealthy conditions.

“Puppy mill” is a derisive term to describe a high-volume dog-breeding facility in which the animals are often confined in small cages and bred constantly until they die.

Officials Wednesday found dirty, unkempt animals, many of which suffered from internal parasites and infections.

However, county animal services manager Kim Schoolcraft said none of the animals’ maladies were life-threatening.

“The animals are all doing fine,” she said. “We’re in the process of evaluating them all, and what we’ve found has been dirty conditions and matted fur, but no serious injury or illness.”

However, the shelter’s population rose by another 10 between Wednesday and Friday, with more animals expected because of another medical condition.

“Yes, we received several pregnant animals,” Schoolcraft said.

Koopmann said officials would not be able to comment on the specifics of the case because it remained an open investigation Friday. He did say that while no criminal charges had been filed Friday, charges could result from the county’s investigation.

Animal control is also seeking to assume custody of the animals. A court hearing set for next week will determine the fates of the 100-plus creatures. Schoolcraft said that if the shelter gets custody of the animals, officials there would try to find adoptive homes for them.

“If you know anyone who’s been talking about getting a dog, next weekend might just be the best time for it, if things go as we hope,” she said.

Donations Sought

The Galveston County Animal Shelter is asking for donations for the care and comfort of its four-legged residents, including more than 100 animals taken in this week.

County animal services manager Kim Schoolcraft said the center had adequate supplies of food and volunteers for the time being, but the shelter needs donated blankets and towels for the animals.

Anyone with items to donate can call the shelter at 409-948-2485.

Although the shelter cannot yet adopt out the seized animals, pending a custody hearing next week, other animals are available for adoption. Anyone interested in adopting an animal also can call the shelter.

Related articles:

• Some animals remain from "puppy mill" seizure 03/15/07
• Hundreds line up to adopt 'puppy mill' dogs 02/23/07
• Puppy mill’ animals in shelter’s care 02/22/07
• Texas City Animal Shelter needs help after puppy mill raid 02/18/07