A woman, known to make her living by breeding and selling dogs in what is described as a "puppy mill," left the Northwest after being jailed for animal related violations, and set up shop again in the heart of puppy mill land - Missouri.
On Sunday, KOMO News released findings of their undercover investigation into Wendy Laymon's latest puppy mill operation.
Back in 1999, Laymon was fined and sent to jail after officials busted her dog breeding operation and found what are described as deplorable living conditions for the animals who were in her care.
After her release, Laymon moved to Rogersville, Mo., where she set up shop again, this time, utilizing a puppy mill operator's best friend - the internet.
Today, Laymon's operation includes a highly deceptive element - she sells dogs online, posing as a non-profit dog rescue.
On the "rescue's" website, the dogs are said to come from breeders, auctions and owners.
It appears that, through the "rescue" website, Laymon has discovered a way to obtain funds for dogs who did not sell through her internet puppy mill business, while apparently duping customers into believing that they are adopting from a legitimate rescue agency.
Unwitting consumers who purchased dogs from Laymon years ago are appalled that she is still in business. Puppies purchased from the original puppy mill in Washington state were fraught with health problems.
Little seems to have changed. Laymon's current kennel is listed among the Humane Society of the United States so-called "Dirty Dozen" dog breeding operations.
According to the KOMO News investigation, today, dogs supposedly "saved" through Laymon's fake rescue are not only sickly, but suffering from emotional trauma, suspected to have stemmed from their life of confinement and lack of socialization.
Laymon's current business has already been cited by the state of Missouri for numerous violations and there is a lengthy complaint into her untoward business practices. Click here to read the entire file.
Unfortunately, there are many shady dog-breeding operations which are run much like Laymon's. It is yet another reason that puppies and dogs should never be purchased over the internet.
Click here to visit the "rescue" website.
Click here to visit the puppies for sale website.
Click here to view Laymon's Facebook page for selling puppies.
Click here to watch the investigative report by Komo News.
Read more about Laymon at this link to PAWS.
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I am human, if you see a typo, please let me know. Questions, comments or story ideas can be emailed to Eims1@live.com.
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