In West Virginia a large puppy mill operation has been shut down.  This could the largest number of animals rescued by SPCA officials so far with them taking more than 1,000 animals into SPCA care.  I can’t even begin to imagine where they are going to find places for all of those animals.    The puppy mill is in the city of Parkersburg harbours mostly purebred Dachshunds. The owner, Sharon Roberts, of this mill called, Whispering Oaks Kennel, willingly surrendered the dogs.  The Humane Society called the kennel a puppy mill after inspecting the facility with Sheriff’s Deputies.    They noted that the animals were kept in cages and dilapidated sheds for breeding.  They were never let out and rarely handled by humans.  SPCA officials also stated that it didn’t appear that the animals were being abused, but it’s just about impossible to take care of that many animals.   Roberts was not charged with animal neglect or cruelty charges but she has agreed never to operate a dog breeding facility ever again.  On the other hand, she’s stated to the Associated Press that she was the victim of a ‘witch hunt’ by animal rights activists.   Scotlund Haisley, Senior Director of the Emergency Services at the Humane Society stated, ‘These resilient little animals are already beginning to perk up under the care of their temporary guardians at the emergency shelter… Thankfully they will soon be taken in by humane organizations around the region, evaluated and put up for adoption.’   The Humane Society is currently still in the process of removing animals from the puppy mill.  They state that most of the animals that come from puppy mills lack socialization and are in poor healthy.  Each of these dogs will need to be examined by a veterinarian when they arrive at the Virginia Beach SPCA shelter.  They will also assess the dogs behaviourally to determine the best socialization program to get them ready for adoption.   Source: http://www.wtkr.com/Global/story.asp?S=8911183&nav=menu78_1_10