Seized dogs at new home in Portland

PORTLAND – More than 150 dogs and puppies seized in August at a Buxton kennel have been moved to a new Portland facility, according to the Animal Refuge League of Greater Portland and the Animal Welfare Society of Kennebunk.

The dogs were part of the largest seizure of dogs in New England, according to Andrew Ferreira, executive director of the league, and until a court granted temporary custody to the state of Maine, the dogs had to remain at the Buxton facility.

On Sept. 26, the Animal Welfare Program of the Maine Department of Agriculture was awarded custody of the dogs that were at J’aime Kennels, according to Ferreira.

He said the owners have 21 days to appeal the decision.

“Many dogs are still being treated for illness and making great strides,” he said. “At this time, no dogs are available for adoption, but as soon as that status changes the public will be informed. All dogs must be evaluated and altered before adoption, a process that will take time to complete.”

Friday’s move was accomplished by more than 100 volunteers.

“This was an enormous undertaking,” Ferreira said Friday.

Jeff Eyre of the Humane Society of the United States and Alan Burgal of the Animal Rescue League of Boston were in charge of the actual transport, providing two transport vehicles. It took three trips to move the dogs and Ferreira said the animals appeared at ease into their new surroundings, which is located on Bishop Street in Portland.

Information on the Buxton dogs is available at the League’s Web site, www.arlgp.org.