Dozens of Rescued Dogs to Be Available for Adoption in East San Diego County

EL CAJON, CA -- A van-load of 42 dogs and puppies -- including 35 purebred beagles -- that were rescued from a commercial breeder are due to arrive in San Diego County on Nov. 21 to be put up for adoption.

About half the dogs are being taken in by Four Paws Coonhound Rescue and Friends in El Cajon; the others are bound for Rancho Coastal Humane Society in Encinitas.

According to the Rancho Coastal Humane Society, the dogs were taken in by National Mill Dog Rescue from a large breeder in the Midwest.

"The adults have been used for commercial breeding,'' the organization's John Van Zante said.

"The breeders produce as many puppies as they can, Van Zante said."When the market becomes saturated they switch to different breeds. Every day they continue to provide care for the previous breed is an unwanted business expense, so they get rid of them one way or another.''

He said National Mill Dog Rescue has been reaching out to such breeders in order to collect the "discards.'' Most of the canines being brought to San Diego are males, with adults up to 10 years old and puppies 4-8 months old.

"None of them had received any vaccinations, so they got their first round of shots before beginning the trip to California,'' Van Zante said. "When they get here they will have complete medical exams and they'll all be spayed or neutered before they can go to their new homes.''

The public can submit adoption applications at any time. Interested families can meet with adoption counselors to discuss whether a beagle is a good match for them.

The dogs should be ready to go home with their adoptive families in about two weeks, he said.

By City News Service/Image via Shutterstock