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Rescued Malamutes Safe at L&C Humane Society

By Mike Cronin

Story Created: Oct 14, 2011 at 5:05 PM MDT

Story Updated: Oct 14, 2011 at 5:38 PM MDT

There are new details tonight on the 161 Malamutes that were rescued from a puppy mill in Jefferson City.

Today, they received medical attention and are on the road to recovery.

The dogs are now at the Lewis and Clark Humane Society following their rescue from on Wednesday.

Mike Chilinski was arrested after authorities also discovered a marijuana operation with over 200 pot plants.

During the rescue effort, responders say they found the dogs living in feces filled pens with little food or water.

A rescue effort of this magnitude required a lot of cooperation.

Wendy Hergenraeder, Human Society of United States State Director for Montana, says, "It takes a team effort and everybody coming together to do this. The list of logistics of this is just overwhelming."

PetSmart Charities have donated kennels, dog houses, and other items that now make up what is being called Malamute Village. While the dogs are in a better place, puppy mills still need to be regulated.

Gina Wiest, Executive Director of the Lewis and Clark Humane Society, says, "You know what, this needs to be regulated. This needs to be taken care of because there is an issue with how some of these kennels are run and how puppy mills operate and we have to stand up."

"This is a prime example of why Montana needs state law to regulate large breed facilities like this, so I’m hoping at the next legislative session we can get support for a puppy mill bill," comments Hergenraeder.

This is the malamutes second full day at the Lewis and Clark Humane Society.

Today they're getting health checked and vaccinated.

Thus far, the humane society has raised $3,000 for the dogs, but more will be needed to nurse them to good health. And with 10 pregnant Malamutes due to give birth, Malamute Village will soon become a little bit more crowded.

The man who owned the puppy mill is being charged with four felonies, including cruelty to animals.

If you'd like to make a donation to help the Malamutes, visit http://mtlchs.org/pages/malamutes.htm

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Anonymous said on Saturday, Oct 29 at 12:17 PM

Oh I hope they put this guy in a 5x10 cell for the rest of his natural life! What a creep....! Those poor dogs. If I had the $ I'd be there buying some for myself and love them till they pass on.

maryslavicek@att.net said on Friday, Oct 28 at 9:54 AM

Why? Why don't people report these mills if they notice evil around them. I sure would. OMG!

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