Video: 51 Maltese dogs abandoned from puppy mill in Flower Mound released to rescue groups

Local organizations have offered rewards totaling $6,000 for information leading to an arrest.

Humane Society of Flower Mound

Even veteran rescuers were surprised by the levels of neglect, but after extensive medical care and rehabilitation, all 51 dogs have been released to local rescue groups.

FLOWER MOUND — The Humane Society of Flower Mound (HSFM) has released an update on the 51 Maltese abandoned on a country road in early October.

The dogs were rescued by Flower Mound Animal Services after police responded to a call in the early morning hours of October 2.

Dozens of dogs were wandering along a country road. The dogs were severely neglected and officials speculated that they were part of a breeding facility, perhaps dumped in response to a new Texas law requiring minimum care standards, inspection, and licensing of commercial breeders.

All 51 dogs were released to local rescue groups. Stacy Smith of HSFM coordinated the distribution of the dogs to several non-profit rescue organizations.

"It is always gratifying to see how the rescue community pulls together in these situations," she said. "It would have been difficult for any one group to provide the level of care and attention that these dogs required. The community of Flower Mound can't thank our rescue partners enough for their help."

Smith said nearly every dog required expensive medical attention for issues ranging from staph infections to broken bones to cancer. HSFM released a video showing the condition and progress of the dogs to date:

Humane Society of Flower Mound Maltese Update

In addition, most of the dogs suffer from fear and anxiety issues.

"The organizations who took these dogs on committed to a great deal of expense and rehabilitation," Smith said. "These are not dogs that were ready to be adopted out immediately. They needed a lot of work."

Smith stressed the importance of remembering where the dogs most likely originated.

"These dogs spent their lives as the mothers and fathers of puppies you purchase in pet stores, online, or at trade days. They live their entire lives in filthy cages. A puppy purchased from one of those sources supports the puppy mill industry and this kind of cruelty. If you want to make sure you aren't contributing to it. Adopt your next pet from a shelter."

Many of the dogs have been adopted, but many other remain in various stages of rehabilitation in foster homes. To contribute to their care, or to inquire about adoption, contact the following organizations:

No arrest has yet been made; however, police in Flower Mound continue to actively investigate the case. Several organizations including In Defense of Animals, the Murrell Foundation, Humane Society of North Texas, and HSFM have offered rewards totaling $6,000 for information leading to the arrest and conviction of those responsible for the abandonment of these dogs and another group of 41 Cavalier King Charles Spaniels found a few days later in rural Denton County.

HSFM encourages those interested in stopping puppy mills and other forms of cruelty in Texas to sign up for action alerts with the Texas Humane Legislation Network.

The Humane Society of Flower Mound is an all-volunteer, non-profit organization dedicated to promoting a respectful, responsible, and compassionate relationship between animals and people.