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Hundreds Show Up For Broward Dog Adoptions

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Jun 13, 2009 7:41 pm US/Eastern

Hundreds Show Up For Broward Dog Adoptions

PEMBROKE PINES (CBS4) ― Judging by the size of the line outside the Broward Humane Society early Saturday morning, one would think they were giving away animals for free.

There was no give-away, however, only anxious prospective pet owners --
all were hoping to adopt a dog seized from the Wizard of Claws store in Pembroke Pines.

The store is bankrupt and has been accused of dealing with puppy mills and selling sick animals to the public. Stephanie Vasquez was one of the lucky ones waiting in line. She adopted a puppy.

"I'm really excited. I was torn between a yorkie and the one I'm adopting. He's gorgeous," she said.

Cherie Wachter, the director of marketing for the Humane Society says, "These dogs aren't for everybody. Most have a congenital problem with their knees and may need costly surgery."

About 100 people stood in line for hours braving the heat and humidity. Some left disappointed including Ralph Delora.

"They led us to believe there were 30 dogs, we waited all this time to find out there were only nine dogs available."

The nine dogs adopted out Saturday have to be spayed and neutered and will go home with their families Sunday. There are still about a dozen that need to get well before they will be put up for adoption.

On Thursday, the dogs were removed from The Wizard of Claws in Pembroke Pines after an anonymous donor purchased all the dogs and donated them to the Humane Society.

The dogs were checked out by Humane Society vets before they were placed up for adoption. "Pet stores, pet stores on the internet, they sell these dogs as designer dogs and charged thousands and thousands of dollars," said Cherie Wachter of the Humane Society. "You're getting a mixed breed. You're getting a mutt. We have lots of them available at the Humane Society of Broward County every day of the year."

Last year, a class action lawsuit was filed last year against The Wizard of Claws by the Humane Society of the United States. The suit was filed on behalf of more than 100 pet owners who claimed they were defrauded by the company, which allegedly misrepresented the origin of the puppies.

They were also accused of selling puppy mill dogs that suffered from severe health problems and genetic defects.

"The average purchaser," said Jonathan Lovvorn of the Humane Society of the United States, "have thousands of dollars in vet bills. Hundreds of people have contacted us from all over the country saying, 'look, I bought dogs from here and here's what happenend."

Some of the rescued dogs and many other dogs needing a good home are at the Humane Society of Broward County. The organization does charge a $135 donation.

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