Beagles, Poodle Mixes, and Terriers Among Dogs Expected to Arrive in Salem September 20
Salem, Mass., Sept. 19, 2025 – More than two dozen specialty breed dogs rescued from commercial breeders in other parts of the country will soon be resting and recuperating at the MSPCA-Angell at Northeast Animal Shelter in Salem, Massachusetts, the MSPCA-Angell announced today.
The dogs range in age from roughly four-months to seven-years-old and include Dachshunds, Beagles, Husky mixes, and more.
“We have a standing relationship with the National Mill Dog Rescue,” explained Jamie Garabedian, project manager in the MSPCA-Angell’s Animal Protection Division. “It’s based in Colorado, but they work with commercial breeders around the country to find better options for the dogs in their facilities.”
Two MSPCA-Angell staff members traveled to Missouri on September 17 to assist in the transport.
“These dogs will be from different places, and we don’t know anything about the conditions that they were found in,” Garabedian elaborated. “All we know is that once they’re in our care, we’re planning to shower them with TLC and help their true personalities come out.”
The dogs are expected to arrive at Hanscom Field in Bedford September 20 on a flight arranged by the Bissell Pet Foundation. MSPCA-Angell vans will meet the dogs and bring them to the Northeast Animal Shelter to serve out their state mandated 48-hour quarantine.
Commercial Breeders in the Spotlight on Beacon Hill
Proposed bills in the Massachusetts State Legislature—S. 650, S. 651 and H. 967, S. 618 and H. 4319—seek to end the so-called ‘puppy-mill-to-pet-shop’ pipeline by preventing pet stores from selling dogs, cats, and rabbits unless they partner with a shelter or rescue organization.
“Inhumane commercial breeding facilities breed females as early and as frequently as possible,” explained MSPCA-Angell Advocacy Director, Kara Holmquist. “Puppies in those places are also predisposed to a range of problematic behavioral issues, in part because they’re often taken from their mothers too young.”
According to Holmquist, dogs from commercial breeding facilities are also indiscriminately bred without consideration of genetic disorders, which can result in many health issues.
“Those are the places that supply pet shops with animals for their stores, so stopping stores from selling them would prevent animals from suffering,” she added.
More information on the bills may be found at mspca.org/puppymill.
Brighter Futures Ahead
The 27 mill dogs will need to serve out their state mandated 48-hour quarantine and receive any necessary care before they will be ready to find new homes.
“We won’t know exactly when the dogs will be up for adoption until they’re in our care, and we have time to assess their condition,” said Garabedian. “Each dog is unique, so they might have different behavioral and medical needs, meaning they’ll be available at different times.”
“But whatever those needs are, they’ll get the best possible care with us before we find them the best possible homes.”
Interested adopters are asked to monitor the MSPCA-Angell’s available animal page at mspca.org/adoptadog and check its social media pages for updates.
