Animal shelter workers in Skagit and Snohomish Counties, Wash., expect to be swamped over the next several weeks as about 500 recently rescued dogs are expected to give birth to about 1,500 puppies, KOMONews.com reported.
The pregnant dogs represent the majority of about 600 dogs rescued from three puppy mills over the past few days.
Many of the dogs were found in tiny crates and did not have enough food and water. Many are also sick, according to KOMONews.com.
Animal Services Director Bud Wessman told reporters that puppies would most likely be born each day at the shelters where the dogs are being held.
Workers estimate the expenses of each dog to be about $20 per day. Joan Crane, co-founder of volunteer animal rescue organization called Saving Pets One at a Time, told KOMONews.com her organization would probably not be able to handle the cost without help from the public.
Shelters are asking for donations as well as for families looking to adopt a dog.
-C.R.
