‘Rescue world is a force;’ Local animal welfare league rescues 70+ dogs from farm

CHAMPAIGN COUNTY — A local animal welfare league closed its doors Saturday as its staff went on an emergency pickup.

News Center 7′s Malik Patterson spoke to the Champaign County Animal Welfare League’s (CCAWL) Director Tiger Franks about why they decided to rescue these dogs.

>>PHOTOS: Local animal welfare league rescues 70+ dogs from farm

On Saturday, they rescued more than 70 dogs from a puppy mill on an Amish farm.

“We have to pick these up because if we don’t, their survival is iffy,” the league said during a live stream.

Other animal rescue organizations like Cabin Critters Rescue, of Scioto County, helped the CCAWL with today’s pickup.

“These guys are the voiceless and we’re their voices,” Cabin Critters Rescue Treasurer Katherine Delvalle said.

When any large rescue takes place, it’s beneficial to have extra helping hands.

“Well, the rescue world is a force, that’s for sure. People know that and we try to collaborate with everyone,” Franks said.

The CCWAL has about four to five big rescues a year from the Amish community.

Each dog will get spayed or neutered before going up for adoption.

“Once they are posted and ready to go there’s five to seven days and they’re adopted,” Franks said.

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When the CCWAL gets back from a rescue, it’s a team effort to unload the van.

Then, they work to separate the puppies from the adults, so they can be best cared for based on their specific needs.

“Those steps afterwards are so important. Anybody can pretty much pick up but it’s taking care of them afterwards getting them back,” Franks said.

Delvalle said she keeps going to not only help the animals, but for the connections she makes while trying to find their forever families.

“Just knowing that the family that adopted her works with her and send us pictures that’s what keeps us going. To see the dogs are coming out of their shell.” Delvalle said.

You can contact the CCWAL if you’re interested in adopting an animal.

The league is also asking for donations, as they weren’t expecting to rescue this many dogs. To make a donation, click here.

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