Owner of Raisin Tree Farms Releases Right to Dogs and Puppies
Wednesday, June 4, 2014
By: Deborah Kern

Livingston County Animal Control reaches out to HSHV for help

ANN ARBOR, MI:  Over 100 dogs and puppies and a handful of cats and kittens were seized from a puppy mill last week. Livingston County Animal Control (LCAC) rescued them from deplorable conditions.

The Humane Society of Huron Valley (HSHV) was asked to help with the sicker, more vulnerable of the group, taking in nearly three dozen animals for housing and veterinary care.

At a hearing in Livingston County District Court, on June 3^rd, Margaret Elaine Komorny admitted failing to provide adequate care to dogs and puppies at her Raisin Tree Farms operation and released her rights, making them eligible for adoption.

“The work LCAC did to rescue these animals and bring charges against the owner is commendable. Even though we are in our busiest season, we are happy to help our neighboring community,” says HSHV COO and Director of Animal Cruelty, Matthew Schaecher.  “Some of the dogs and puppies in our care will be going up for adoption over the next few days, following medical treatment and sterilization. Interested folks should follow our adoption procedures and come to HSHV when the dogs are available.”

“This was a particularly sad situation. Companion animals are completely dependent upon us and easily become victims of abuse and exploitation.  We are so fortunate to have a team of such dedicated volunteers, staff and supporters doing all they can to make sure they, and all the rest of our homeless and abused animals, find loving homes,” says HSHV CEO, Tanya Hilgendorf. 

Hilgendorf also adds a few important reminders…

“To the puppy-loving public: Please consider adoption as your first option.  But if you can’t find the companion you want at a shelter, be sure to go to reputable breeder to avoid inadvertently supporting the cruel puppy mill industry.  Insist on seeing where the animals are being raised and cared for.  Never buy off the Internet or from a newspaper.  Unlike puppy mill owners, responsible breeders treat the parent dogs like family, allow the puppies to live with them so they receive good early socialization, and don't have more animals than they can adequately care for.”

“While temptingly adorable, puppies are a big responsibility and demand a great deal of time, patience and financial commitment.  Training and socialization are critical.  Puppies being housetrained cannot be left home for long.”

About HSHV:

The Humane Society of Huron Valley, located in Ann Arbor, is an independent 501(c)(3) non-profit organization and relies solely on the generosity of our supporters to provide critical community programs and services. HSHV is an award-winning organization, recognized for our best practices and highest animal "save-rate" among all similar shelters in Michigan. Charity Navigator, the nation’s top charity evaluator, awarded HSHV a 4-star ranking, the highest possible. The mission of HSHV is to promote the loving, responsible care of all animals in our community. HSHV is not affiliated with any other humane organization and does not receive funding from the United Way. For more information, call (734) 662-5585 or visit www.hshv.org. LOVE STARTS HERE!