Dog Breeder Says Raid Has Been Devastating

The Hurley dog breeder who was raided by the Humane Society of the United States is getting some of his puppies back. Friday, circuit judge Tami Bern granted Dan Christensen custody of the puppies that were born after the raid since they were never part of the investigation.

Christensen is being charged with 173 counts of inhumane treatment of an animal after H.S.U.S. and Second Chance Rescue took 172 dogs from his property in September.

Christensen tells KELOLAND News that the raid has been devastating, and right now, he isn't just fighting for his dogs; he's also fighting for his family and his business. 

"Took our livelihood. This has been a family-owned business and they came in in one swipe and took everything away," Christensen said.

When the Humane Society of the United States and Second Chance Rescue came to his dog breeding operation back in September, Christensen says they took more than just the dogs he had for sale.

"When they came in these people from H.S.U.S. from Maryland or Florida, or wherever they were from, they took my grandchildren's pets and they took my daughter's house dog, and it's been kind of devastating," Christensen said.

That's why Christensen is fighting the charges in court and denying the allegations against him.

Ben Dunsmoor: Did you abuse or neglect these dogs?
Christensen: No, they are all registered, hybrid hunting dogs.  We had five breeds. We do bird hunts and you aren't going to abuse something, why would you? There's no rhyme or reason.

And Christensen says there is no rhyme or reason to explain why his dogs had to be taken.

"It's been tough. The grandkids, I have four grandkids, and it's tough on them, and my daughter, and my daughter-in-law. We feel like we're helpless here," Christensen said. 

Christensen also says this raid took away his income; that's why he wants to get this case resolved and get his dogs back as soon as possible.