More than 800 dogs rescued from French puppy mill in biggest-ever animal welfare operation

People who bought puppies from a breeding establishment in central France say they were left with frightened animals, unexpected health problems and veterinary bills running into thousands of euros. Now, more than 800 dogs have been removed from the same establishment in what the country’s leading animal protection organisation has described as the largest rescue operation in its history.

The dogs were taken from a kennel in Heugnes, in the Indre department, during an operation on November 3 and 4. The rescue followed an investigation into suspected animal mistreatment and fraud. More than 20 breeds were found at the establishment, including poodles, bichons and cockers.

64 shelters mobilised to take in the dogs

Finding somewhere safe for more than 800 animals required an extraordinary effort. The Société Protectrice des Animaux (SPA) mobilised all 64 of its shelters, with more than 160 employees and volunteers and around 90 vehicles involved in the operation. Every dog had to be removed, transported and assessed.

The shelters must now accommodate an enormous influx of animals while arranging veterinary checks and identifying those needing treatment. Some may also require careful handling and time to become comfortable around people again. The shelters must continue caring for their existing residents while making room for the newly rescued animals. Tamara Guelton, the SPA’s head of legal affairs for animal protection, said that in her 23 years with the organisation, she had never coordinated a seizure on this scale.

Former workers and owners describe disturbing conditions

Accounts given to French broadcaster TF1 have raised further concerns about the establishment. A former employee, who was not named, described premises covered in urine and faeces and alleged that dogs had been subjected to violence. People who had bought puppies from the breeder also reported problems after taking their animals home. One owner said her dog was extremely anxious, flattening itself against the ground or running towards the road when startled.

She also reported that it had lost teeth and struggled to eat, forcing her to soak its food. Another buyer told TF1 she had spent more than €1,000 on veterinary treatment after her dog developed digestive problems shortly after adoption. She said vets had linked the illness to the breeding establishment. These are individual accounts reported by TF1 and do not, by themselves, establish criminal responsibility. That will be determined through the investigation.

Investigation into suspected animal abuse and fraud

The operation involved the French Gendarmerie and the National Brigade of Veterinary and Phytosanitary Investigations (BNEVP), under the authority of the public prosecutor in Châteauroux.The establishment is being investigated over suspected animal mistreatment and alleged fraud.

Unfortunately being taken out of the puppy mill does not mean the dogs can be placed in new homes. The SPA must first check their health, arrange veterinary treatment where needed and assess their behaviour. Some will need time and patient handling before they are ready to live with a new family. The organisation has not yet indicated when the animals will become available for adoption.