Dozens of puppies and dogs seized from a puppy mill in Page County are getting free medical care.
Caring Hands Animal Support and Education (CHASE) said the Caring Hands Animal Hospital of Merrifield was treating almost 100 canines on Tuesday.
CHASE said in a news release that the dogs and puppies are among 132 seized from a breeding facility at a home last week by the Page County Sheriff's Office. Four parrots also were taken.
The dogs had untreated eye infections, respiratory conditions, severe matting and dental issues, CHASE said. The parrots were in dirty cages and didn't have access to adequate water.
Caring Hands veterinarian Dr. Carole Richards told Northern Virginia Bureau Chief Julie Carey she's amazed at the disposition of the dogs despite their tough lives.
"These dogs have been so sweet," she said. "I'm actually really surprised. A lot of them, we know they haven't had a lot of contact with people, and they've been so good. We haven't had any biting dogs. They've been a little bit nervous, but they've just been super sweet. I don't think these dogs are going to have any problems finding loving homes because they're just so loving."
The owner surrendered the canines to the Animal Rescue Corps, which spent most of the holiday weekend seizing the animals, then making arrangements for them in what was dubbed Operation Liberty Dogs.
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Once the dogs are medically checked out, they will be placed in foster homes where they will await their new permanent homes.
