Emergency Relief in Action

PetSmart Charities dispatched an Emergency Relief Waggin' on March 13, 2008 to help the rescued animals of a Tucson-area pet hoarding situation. About 700 small dogs have been seized, along with 40 birds. 

The 53-foot semi-trailer was dispatched from PetSmart’s Phoenix distribution center loaded with food, crates, beds, bowls and other items required for the animal rescue effort.  The Waggin’ was received by the Humane Society of Southern Arizona at their training center the afternoon of the 13th.

The animals were removed from the property of a triple-wide trailer northwest of Tucson, in rural Avra Valley.  According to news reports, sheriff’s deputies visited the home after a tip from a woman who had bought a Chihuahua from the elderly couple who live there. The rescued animals will be treated and put up for adoption.

PetSmart Charities dispatched one Emergency Relief Waggin’ stocked with emergency pet supplies on November 6,2007 to help the rescued dogs of a Hillsville, Va., puppy mill.  The 53-foot trailer contained enough pet products, food and supplies to support up to 700 companion animals.  The trailer was dispatched from PetSmart’s Hagerstown, Md., distribution center loaded with food, crates, beds, litter, tents, generators and other items required for the animal rescue effort.

Caroll County officials, vets and animal welfare organizations processed more than 1,000 dogs surrendered by Hillsville breeder Junior Horton.  Officials with the investigation called the operation the largest puppy mill rescue in U.S. history.