What started with a call about a horse in the road lead Michigan State Police to bust an alleged puppy mill in Michigan's Upper Peninsula earlier this week.

MLive reports that troopers seized 134 dogs, 65 of which were adults dogs, many of them pregnant, and 69 puppies, from a residence in Maple Ridge Township, Delta County. Police later were able to rescue seven horses and 11 miniature horses, several of them also pregnant.

According to police, many of the animals appeared to be malnourished and in poor health.

Delta Animal Shelter assisted MSP with the transport of off all of the animals to safety, U.P. Matters reports. The horses are at a boarding facility and being seen by a veterinarian. Delta Animal Shelter is caring for and giving medical attention to all 134 dogs.

Delta Animal Shelter Director Susan Gartland told U.P. Matters,

“They were in deplorable condition, it was heartbreaking terrible. It was unsanitary, they were covered in feces they were matted they had no food no water it was just gross. Almost all the females that we have here in house either have babies, are pregnant, or it looks like they recently weaned puppies that were most probably sold.”

Delta Animal Shelter says the dogs rescued are the following breeds:

  • Golden Retrievers
  • Standard Poodle
  • Golden Doodles
  • Australian Shepherds
  • Aussie Doodles
  • Mini Aussies
  • Yellow, Black, White, Chocolate labs
  • German Shepherds
  • Yorkies
  • Teddy bears
  • Chihuahuas
  • Boston Terriers

The shelter has been sharing updates on the rescued animals, many of whom are giving birth.

We need help. This just one of the moms with puppies. 134 dogs, mostly female with puppies or pregnant were removed...

Posted by Delta Animal Shelter on Tuesday, August 25, 2020

Soon after arriving to the shelter, all of the dogs had been vaccinated, dewormed, and de-flead.

All 134 dogs have been vaccinated, dewormed, and de- flea. They have yummy food, water, blankets and really seem to...

Posted by Delta Animal Shelter on Tuesday, August 25, 2020

It's incredible to see the before and after photos of these rescued pups. The shelter says that many were covered in flies and have terrible fly strike wounds. Delta Animal Shelter is gently caring for the pups as they say, "These dogs are scared- they’ve never been inside- never on a leash."

Before and after ❤️

Posted by Delta Animal Shelter on Tuesday, August 25, 2020

More puppy baths- these yellow pups are soaked in urine and feces. Smelling better and better
They never asked for...

Posted by Delta Animal Shelter on Wednesday, August 26, 2020

As for the investigation into the alleged Puppy Mill, Delta Animal Shelter shared to Facebook,

Evidence is still being collected. Everything will be turned over to the prosecutor for review. This is an active court case.
Our understanding is she is fighting to get her dogs back. No dog/ puppy will be available until court case is resolved.
Thank you all for your patience with us as we are trying to keep everyone updated the best we know how.

I'm so grateful for the incredible work they are doing at the Delta Animal Shelter. We can help them by donating here. So far they have raised more than $92K, and that makes my heart happy, but I know additional funds will be needed to help all of these animals-- 134 pups plus all of the new puppies, that is A LOT to care for.

Delta Animal Shelter shared that one new mom gave birth to 15 puppies, unfortunately, one did not make it.

Amaretto... this poor, poor girl.
15 babies. One just died. She is exhausted. This completely breaks your...

Posted by Delta Animal Shelter on Saturday, August 29, 2020

For anyone who lives nearby, the shelter has a drop box outside and has asked for asked for donations of old (clean) towels and blankets. They also say they'll pull putting out a request for fosters, bathers, walkers, socializers, and cleaners soon. For more ways to help and updates on all the awesome work Delta Animal Shelter is doing, follow them on Facebook.

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