MASON CITY, IA - Call the feisty Italian Greyhound in the back corner of the Humane Society of North Iowa, Pete or Buddy; really, about anything's an improvement. Up until now, he's never even had a name.
Neither have the other 20 newcomers at the Humane Society.
"These dogs paws have never even touched grass, they haven't seen sunlight," said Executive Director Sybil Soukup.
Their old home was a puppy mill where they were living in three by three kennels, with no sun light; no fresh air.
"The puppy mill owner is located over the Charles City area, and he voluntarily surrendered his license and wanted to close up his business," said Soukup.
It comes about a week after Governor Culver signed a law into effect, allowing tougher inspections on the more than 400 licensed breeders in the state that are considered puppy mills.
"With the amount of inspections that are coming through as a part of the puppy mill bill, there was no way that they'd be able to keep up," said Soukup.
So with the help of animal rescuers across the state, all 300 dogs are finally being cared for, and they now sit in shelters like the Mason City Humane Society, awaiting their first chance at a loving home.
The Humane Society of North Iowa took in about 20 of the dogs, including several who have puppies or are pregnant; that puts them at full capacity.
Soukup says if you're looking for a new friend, now is a great time to adopt. Feel free to stop out, or call them at 641-423-6241.
