Humane Society Details Care and Adoption Process as Loudonville Dog Total Climbs to 85
ASHLAND, Ohio — The number of dogs and puppies being cared for following the surrender of animals from a large-volume breeding operation near Loudonville has increased from 72 to 85 after one of the rescued dogs gave birth to 13 puppies.
Humane Society of Ashland County Director Tiffany Meyer said the organization initially received 50 adult dogs and 22 puppies. Since then, one of the adult dogs delivered a litter of 13 puppies.
The animals are receiving veterinary care and being transferred to rescue organizations as the Humane Society manages one of the largest animal intakes it has faced.
Meyer said the Ashland County Sheriff’s Office contacted her Thursday, Aug. 27, asking the organization to assist the Ohio Department of Agriculture at a commercial dog-breeding facility.
After officials arrived at the property, the owner surrendered the original 72 animals to the Humane Society.
“He willingly owner-surrendered them to us,” Meyer told ACP News.
The animals came from a property at 362 Ashland County Road 2575, which has previously been associated with Daniel A. Miller and businesses identified as Happy Mountain K9 Facilities, Happy Mountain Canine Facilities and Puppys R Us.
Small Facility Faced Major Undertaking
Meyer said the Humane Society has only seven dog kennels and was not equipped to house 72 additional animals at once, much less the 13 puppies born afterward.
During the first 30 hours, volunteers concentrated on securing temporary accommodations and arranging transfers to established rescue organizations.
Farmers provided calf hutches that were used to create temporary shelters and makeshift pens for the dogs.
“We made it work because that’s what Ashland does,” Meyer said. “We rally around each other, and I love this community for that.”
The Humane Society of Delaware County accepted five dogs, while an organization in Cuyahoga County took eight, Meyer said. Other animals were placed with rescue groups elsewhere in Ohio and outside the state.
Meyer emphasized that the Humane Society of Ashland County and the Ashland County Dog Shelter are separate organizations. However, shelter employees responded to the property and assisted with loading and caring for the animals.
“They were right there in the trenches with us,” Meyer said. “I cannot say enough good things.”
Dogs Must Receive Veterinary Care Before Adoption
Residents quickly expressed interest in fostering or adopting the animals, but Meyer said the dogs could not immediately be released.
Because they came from a breeding operation, the animals must first be spayed or neutered, vaccinated and microchipped. They must also receive any other necessary medical treatment.
The 13 newborn puppies and their mother will require additional time and care before they can be considered for adoption.
Prospective adopters may submit applications through the Humane Society of Ashland County’s website. Every applicant must be reviewed and approved before receiving an animal.
The organization also has other dogs awaiting homes, including a Rottweiler and a pit bull mix.
Some Dogs Require Additional Treatment
Although many of the surrendered dogs appeared relatively healthy, Meyer said some were thin and others had medical problems requiring treatment.
One female dog was suffering from a significant urinary tract infection, while another animal had a serious skin condition and would require specialized food.
“It was a commercial dog breeder facility,” Meyer said declining to characterize the overall care provided at the breeding facility.
Financial Donations Are Greatest Need
Meyer said monetary contributions are currently the most useful form of assistance because they allow the organization to purchase food, medication and supplies based on each animal’s individual needs.
The Humane Society also recently lost approximately $3,000 worth of vaccines and medication after a refrigerator malfunctioned. Those supplies must now be replaced.
Dog beds, metal bowls, toys and durable chew toys are also useful. The organization currently has adequate supplies of laundry detergent and bleach.
Meyer said none of the Humane Society’s board members are paid and that donations go directly toward animal care.
“We run our Humane Society pretty lean,” Meyer said. “I want the money spent here. I want it to go to the care of these animals.”
Arrest Remains Under Investigation
Miller, 64, was arrested Aug. 27 on accusations of obstructing official business and falsification involving allegedly misleading a public official.
Ashland County Sheriff’s Office dispatch records showed deputies arriving at the property shortly after 10:20 a.m. Miller’s Miranda rights were reportedly read at approximately 10:34 a.m., and deputies left for the Ashland County Jail at approximately 12:25 p.m.
The Sheriff’s Office has not publicly released a detailed account explaining the investigation, Miller’s arrest or how the criminal accusations relate to the surrender of the animals.
Miller later posted his version of the events on Facebook, alleging that he was pressured into surrendering the dogs. His claims have not been independently verified.
The charges against Miller are accusations, and he is presumed innocent unless proven guilty in court.
