19,000 adoption applications roll in after dozens of dogs rescued, NC officials say
An animal shelter is flooded with adoption requests after dozens of dogs and puppies were saved from a “negligent breeder” in North Carolina, officials say.
Orange County Animal Services on Thursday said it “received almost 19,000 applications for the rescued bulldogs and other breeds being made available through a special adoption process.”
In October, 57 dogs were seized from a “suspected puppy mill” in Chapel Hill, The News & Observer reported. Some of the animals were pregnant, so the Orange County shelter ended up with about 80 dogs, officials said.
All received veterinary exams before they went up for adoption on Jan. 22, reports said.
Though 20 dogs already have new homes, the process of matching others with new owners is ongoing, a news release Thursday said. Adoptions cost $135 for puppies and $120 for dogs, according to the Orange County website.
Due to interest in adopting the dogs, the shelter has been making only six to 12 available for adoption each week, officials say.
“Animal Services is underscoring the importance of education about bulldog breeds ... due to the serious health issues and concerns that can often be characteristic of these breed types,” the release said. “Because of these concerns, part of the special adoption process that has been developed ensures that each adopter understands the costs and ongoing care that may be associated with these animals.”
Application guidelines are posted on the Orange County website.
Taylor Doar, 33, was charged with animal cruelty in connection with the case, The News & Observer reported. His mom, 65-year-old Cynthia Riggan, faced similar charges, which could be dismissed if she met certain conditions, the report said.
This story was originally published February 14, 2020 at 1:05 PM with the headline "19,000 adoption applications roll in after dozens of dogs rescued, NC officials say."
