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Largo Animal Shelter Takes In Dozens Of Breeder Dogs

News Channel 8 photo by PAUL LAMISON

One of the 64 dogs taken in by Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals of Tampa Bay after their breeder died is waiting for a new home.

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By RAY REYES and PAUL LAMISON

The Tampa Tribune and News Channel 8

Published: July 16, 2008

LARGO - A shelter that takes in about 16,000 animals a year welcomed 64 new arrivals Tuesday night.

"We thought we were going to pick up Chihuahuas and little dogs," said Connie Brooks, director of operations at the Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals of Tampa Bay.

Instead, the SPCA in Largo accepted more than five dozen dogs — Australian shepherds, Aussie mixes, border collies and several Pomeranians — after the woman breeding them died from cancer, shelter officials said.

The dogs are being screened for physical, emotional and social problems, but most appear to be in good shape, Brooks said. When the animals are eligible for adoption, the information will be posted on the shelter's Web site, www.spcafl.org.

About 30 dogs were taken today to a Humane Society shelter in Broward County, where the animals will be checked then put up for adoption, Brooks said.

Because the animals are breeder dogs, most of them have not been socialized with people, Brooks said.

"They're going to need someone with patience, kindness and the time to take care of these guys," she said. "They've been in cages all their lives."

The breeder, Lynn Riddle of Live Oak, sold puppies starting at $200, according to Riddle's Web site, Windy Hill Aussies. Some breeds fetched prices of $750 and higher and adult dogs were also sold on the site.

Brooks said taking in so many dogs at once is "a little strange." Riddle thought she had more time to find new homes for the dogs before she succumbed to her illness, Brooks said.

For information on pet adoptions, call the SPCA of Tampa Bay at (727) 586-3591.

Reporter Ray Reyes can be reached at (813) 259-7920 or rreyes@tampatrib.com.

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