TEXAS CITY — A month ago, county animal-control officers seized about 100 animals from what they called a “puppy mill” in Algoa. Publicity from the case resulted in hundreds of people lining up outside the county’s Texas City shelter for a chance to adopt the animals.

However, all that attention was not enough to find homes for the four cats seized. While nearly all the dogs found adopted homes, all four felines remained at the animal shelter Wednesday.

 “These cats have had a horrible life, and they deserve a chance to live in a good home,” said Kim Schoolcraft, Galveston County’s animal services manager.

The cats, along with more than 80 dogs and 10 Australian marsupials called sugar gliders, were seized on Valentine’s Day after animal-control officers investigating an anonymous tip said they found animals in deplorable 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 can no longer do so. At that point, the adult animals are often killed, left to die or given to animal-rescue groups.

Schoolcraft said none of the animals were in danger of being euthanized, as she considered all of them to be adoptable.

“Two of the cats are a little hissy,” she said. “One, in particular, will need someone with a lot of patience, but I’m not giving up on them.”

One of the seized dogs also remained at the shelter, a Brussels Griffon that was suffering from a variety of ailments. Schoolcraft said the dog was recovering, however.

 “She’s eating, drinking and hoping for a new home,” she said.

Another ended up back at the shelter. Schoolcraft said one adopter returned a dog, an adult with heartworms. Schoolcraft said she hoped to find a permanent home for that dog once it recovered. T

he shelter also has new arrivals from the same spot as the original seizure. Last week, animal-control officers seized another five puppies from the Algoa property.

One has since died of Parvo, a viral illness, officials said. Schoolcraft said the other four pups were not yet up for adoption, as all four were receiving treatment for Parvo.

 How To Help:

To make a donation or learn about adopting an animal, visit the Galveston County Animal Shelter, at 3412 North Loop 197 in Texas City.

Related articles:

• 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
• Shelter Full After Animals Seized 02/17/07

A little background on the story; according to Kim, Scott Williams the reporter visited the shelter yesterday to adopt an animal for his own family. While there he inquired about the remaining animals. I guess we have a positive impact when the people covering the stories adopt an animal.

For More Information Contact:
Kurt Koopmann
Public Information Officer
Galveston County Health District
409-938-2211 or 409-392-0007
kkoopman@gchd.org