Maine animal welfare officials today seized 25 dogs in Hampden, including 8 puppies, from an owner who had applied to be a licensed breeder. Most of the dogs are Great Danes.
State animal welfare director Liam Hughes says the animals’ were living in a barn that was too cold for this short-haired breed. He says it was a recipe for disaster.
“Unfortunately we found these conditions to be subpar. So the conditions that the animals were being kept in basically posed a very clear risk to these animals health and safety,” he says.
Hughes says inspectors had recommended improvements to the owner over the past few months, but no progress was made. He says it’s too early to say whether charges will be filed.
The animals are being brought to undisclosed locations for evaluation and to restore their health.
Hughes says a stallion was also surrendered that the owner felt was too much to handle.
