Leonard Moos, owner of Bismarck’s Apple Creek Kennel for 38 years, had his dogs taken from him over the weekend. The 83 golden retrievers — including 37 puppies that were bred to be sold to a pet broker in Kansas — were removed from Moos’ care because of alleged code violations. A Minnesota shelter that is caring for the dogs called the kennel a puppy mill, but Moos said he was just too old and too slow and was falling behind. The problems, including improper cleaning of the kennel runs and lack of straw in the runs, were noticed at a routine inspection last week.
After the inspection, the USDA contacted Retrieve a Golden of Minnesota, a small organization that takes in surrendered or found goldens and finds them new homes. RAGOM came to Bismarck on Saturday to collect the dogs. It was the largest one-time rescue for the group, and it solicited help from the Animal Ark Shelter. The dogs were taken to Hastings, where volunteers worked into the early morning hours Sunday to unload the animals and take care of them.The dogs were washed and fed, and those that needed medical attention were cared for right away, Fry said. Again, Jirsa-Smith was unavailable to comment on the alleged physical maladies.
Temporary homes were found for the dogs, but many of them still need permanent homes. Monetary donations would also be welcome; according to RAGOM, the veterinary bills for the 83 dogs will likely top $25,000.
For information about adopting a dog or making a donation, check out www.ragom.org, or call 952-946-8070.
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