PHOENIX, AZ -- (Marketwire) -- 03/24/09 -- On Saturday, March 21, PetSmart Charities dispatched its Emergency Relief Waggin'® vehicle to Paris, Ark., where nearly 400 dogs and other assorted animals were rescued from an alleged puppy mill and breeding facility.

The Emergency Relief Waggin' vehicle departed the PetSmart® Distribution Center in Ennis, Texas, on Friday at the request of Logan County officials and the Humane Society of the United States. The vehicle is set up at the North Logan County Fairgrounds in Paris, where rescuers are caring for 350 dogs, 17 miniature ponies, six cats and several exotic birds and turtles who were taken from the 82-acre property. The vehicle is stocked with 16 tons of supplies, valued at $60,000, including 26 pallets of dog food, wire crates, plastic carriers, bowls and leashes. The vehicle also comes stocked with items such as fans, a generator, tents, a battery charger and lights to aid the animal rescuers on scene.

"Our Emergency Relief Waggin' program offers assistance in these situations to help pets who need immediate care and attention," said Susana Della Maddalena, executive director of PetSmart Charities. "In many cases, these pets will experience, for the first time, what it's like to be well fed, comfortable, clean and cared for. Our hope is that over time, the pets rescued from puppy mills, low-quality breeders and hoarders can be rehabilitated and placed into the caring homes they deserve."

The rescued dogs ranged from Shih Tzus and Poodles to Akitas and Shelties and were suffering from serious medical ailments and housed in filthy conditions, according to rescuers at the scene. Many of the dogs were severely matted and suffering from untreated lacerations and serious skin and eye infections. Some of the first to be removed from the property were day-old puppies.

"PetSmart Charities hopes that cases like this help raise awareness about the plight of some animals in high-volume, low-quality facilities," Della Maddalena added. "Unfortunately, many puppies in pet stores or advertised for sale by other means come from facilities such as these. We encourage prospective Pet Parents to make educated choices, or consider adopting, when choosing to bring a puppy into their home."

After arriving at the shelter, the dogs were checked by a team of veterinarians and given any necessary immediate medical care. Volunteers from United Animal Nations are on hand to assist with the temporary shelter for the rescued animals.

PetSmart Charities established its Emergency Relief Waggin' program in 2007 to assist the animal victims of natural and manmade disasters nationwide. Members of the public who would like to support PetSmart Charities' Emergency Relief Waggin' program can make a tax-deductible donation in one of two ways:

1.  Make a credit card donation via the PetSmart Charities Web site at:
    www.PetSmartCharities.org;
2.  Mail a check earmarked for "Emergency Relief" directly to: PetSmart
    Charities, Attn: Emergency Relief; 19601 N. 27th Avenue, Phoenix,
    Ariz., 85027.

Funds raised will be used to aid pets affected by this and future Emergency Relief Waggin' program rescue efforts when pets are affected by natural and man-made disasters.

Learn more about the Emergency Relief Waggin' program at http://www.petsmartcharities.org/programs/emergency-relief.php

ABOUT PETSMART CHARITIES, INC.

PetSmart Charities, Inc. is an independent 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that creates and supports programs that save the lives of homeless pets, raise awareness of companion animal welfare issues, and promote healthy relationships between people and pets. Since 1994, PetSmart Charities has funded more than $87 million in grants and programs benefiting animal welfare organizations and, through its in-store pet adoption program, has helped save the lives of more than 3.5 million pets. To learn more about how PetSmart Charities is working to help find a lifelong, loving home for every pet, visit www.petsmartcharities.org or call 1-800-423-PETS.

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