North Shore Animal League America and National Mill Dog Rescue Announce Launch of Life-Saving Rescue Program

Mobile Rescue Unit Completes Cross-Country Journey From NY To New Home in CO

Mobile Unit Dedicated Solely for Mill Dog Rescues and Adoptions

NEW YORK, June 17, 2011 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- North Shore Animal League America (NSALA) proudly announced an exciting new partnership with National Mill Dog Rescue (NMDR) in which one of the Animal League's rescue mobile units will be permanently stationed at National Mill Dog Rescue in Colorado Springs, CO.  For the first time, an Animal League mobile unit will be dedicated solely for the purpose of the rescue, safe transport and adoption of mill dogs.  The two organizations share a mission to save as many animal lives as possible.  By combining the unique resources of NSALA and NMDR, this partnership will help raise awareness of the plight of mill dogs and their cruel and inhumane treatment, bring attention to the importance of their rescue, and focus on shelters as an ideal source for people looking to add a canine or feline to the family.

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The mobile rescue unit will be used for cooperative adoption events and rescue.  NMDR, which previously did not have a rescue vehicle, will now gain the ability to regularly bring animals into the community and showcase them in a whole new way, facilitating more dog adoptions.  The mobile rescue unit, which measures 36 feet long, 12 1/2 feet high and 8 feet wide and houses 32 cages, has traveled back and forth to California and through the western and mid-western states numerous times for animal rescues and transports.  North Shore Animal League America began using this mobile unit in 2005 and has since saved thousands of animal lives with it.  

"National Mill Dog Rescue's mission, to rescue, rehabilitate and find homes for discarded breeding dogs and to educate the public about the cruel realities of the commercial canine breeding industry, is vital to the work of North Shore Animal League America and to animal welfare advocates around the world," said John Stevenson, President of NSALA.  "Quite simply, the more mill dog rescues NSALA and NMDR do, the more animal lives we save."

"North Shore Animal League America is looking to expand its network of animal rescue and humane groups for the purpose of identifying animals in need, providing the appropriate level of care and finding loving homes for as many of them as we can, and this partnership with National Mill Dog Rescue is a perfect next step," said Joanne Yohannan, senior vice president, operations for NSALA.  "With the addition of this mobile unit, National Mill Dog Rescue will be able to access areas they previously could not reach and the hundreds of mill dogs who have outlived their profitability each year will be rescued and adopted into loving homes."

"National Mill Dog Rescue is so incredibly fortunate to be working with North Shore Animal League America, the world's largest no-kill animal rescue and adoption organization," said Theresa Strader, Director of National Mill Dog Rescue.  "The documented problems in puppy mills include over-breeding, inbreeding, minimal veterinary care, poor quality food and shelter, lack of socialization, overcrowding, and the killing of unwanted animals.  Sadly, young, adoptable dogs are either killed or forced to live in puppy mills their entire lives.  The number of mill dogs being released to us is absolutely staggering and we cannot come close to saving them all without the help of others.  Through this partnership and our mutual goals of rescue, adopt and educate, the sky is the limit.  We intend to save many thousands of dogs in the coming years as we continue to grow our program across the country."

NSALA developed its cooperative adoption and rescue program over a decade ago and were pioneers in humane relocation.  This program allowed rescues to take place in a much more efficient way, and in a broader geographic area.  Since that time, organizations across the country – from high profile retailers to large humane groups - have modeled their programs on the one created by NSALA.

For more information on cat or dog adoption, or to find a local shelter, visit www.AnimalLeague.org.  

ABOUT NORTH SHORE ANIMAL LEAGUE AMERICA

The Animal League has saved almost 1,000,000 lives.  As the world's largest no-kill rescue and adoption organization, we understand that a rescue isn't complete until each animal is placed into a loving home.  Our innovative programs provide education to reduce animal cruelty, and advance standards in animal welfare.  Our staff and volunteers work tirelessly in the pursuit of our vision of a world where all companion animals find permanent homes to end euthanasia. For more information, visit www.animalleague.org.

ABOUT NATIONAL MILL DOG RESCUE

National Mill Dog Rescue pledged to put an end to the cruelty of the commercial dog breeding industry, more commonly known as puppy milling.  Through rescue and education, NMDR continues in its life-saving work while enlightening the public about the truth of pet store puppies.  NMDR has taken a national approach to their rescue and adoption efforts and they have rescued and placed almost 5,000 mill dogs since their inception in 2007. These dogs are now living as cherished family members across the United States.  To learn more, visit www.milldogrescue.org.

Devera Lynn
North Shore Animal League America
Phone: 516.883.7633
Cell: 516.474-5332
Email: [email protected]

Loni Koller
National Mill Dog Rescue
Cell: 303.818.9600
Email: [email protected]

SOURCE North Shore Animal League America