Look what I found...

KINGSTON -- The Wisconsin Humane Society purchased one of the largest commercial dog breeding facilities in the state, Puppy Haven, and it will cease operations and find homes for more than 1,100 dogs.

The transaction between WHS and the owner, Sun Prairie resident Wallace Havens, occurred after Havens was willing to substantially discount the sale of the business, although the sale price is not to be disclosed based upon the agreement. Havens is ready to retire from the practice after 34 years.

"This is a happy deal, not where the cops come out," Havens, 72, said. "I've been working with the Wisconsin Humane Society for seven years because it's the nicest place to sell my dogs to."

Havens created the "designer dog" Puggle, which is a cross-breed between a pug and a beagle, and has sold them across the country to pet stores and famous clients, according to Havens.

"We have 30 different breeds and 75 different crosses," Havens said. "Each time we have a new litter, it's been like our artwork."

Havens will retain the 20 acres of land the kennel occupies and sell just the dogs and the equipment used in his breeding operation. The decision to purchase and close the kennel was made by the WHS Board of Directors after a good deal of time considering the best course of action for the dogs and WHS's ability to obtain the funds necessary to make the purchase.

According to a WHS press release, the living conditions for dogs in mass breeding facilities do not meet the medical, social or emotional needs of dogs, making the purchase consistent with WHS's mission to create a community that values animals and treats them with respect and kindness.

The society also hopes to educate potential adopters about "puppy mills," discourage people from obtaining dogs bred at "puppy mills," who are often found in pet stores.

PetSmart Charities has provided equipment to care for the animals, including leashes, collars, toys, food bowls and grooming supplies. The chain store regularly hosts animal adoption days.

According to the WHS, the transfer of dogs will occur over several months so each dog can be provided with the best possible care while WHS continues to serve animals from the community. The dogs began leaving the kennel for the WHS facility in Milwaukee on Thursday, and about 300 had been transferred as of Friday. But the overall transfer of dogs may take until September, according to WHS.

The Puppy Haven property will not be used again to breed dogs, none of the dogs at the facility will be sold for further breeding and Havens will not receive windfall profits from the sale, according to WHS.

"I've been working with the Wisconsin Humane Society for seven years because it's the nicest place to sell my dogs to."

"This is a happy deal, not where the cops come out," Havens, 72, said. "I've been working with the Wisconsin Humane Society for seven years because it's the nicest place to sell my dogs to."

"We have 30 different breeds and 75 different crosses," Havens said. "Each time we have a new litter, it's been like our artwork."

Well, at least those dogs will be freed from their hell...