The images may be grainy - put the picture is unmistakable: hundreds of distressed dogs packed into row after row of wire cages. Perhaps even more disturbing than the images is the audio track, captured along with the video, via cell phone at one of Minnesota's most notorious puppy mills. Frightened and agitated dogs barking, screeching and howling in a chorus of despair. The video in question was recently turned over to Animal Ark by an anonymous source who says he recently captured the images on his cell phone at the property of Wanda McDuffee, who is the ex-wife of Gary McDuffee, who drew national attention to the issue of puppy mills when he was granted a Conditional Use Permit (CUP) by Morrison County to operate a 600 dog breeding facility near Little Falls, MN. Neighbors sued the county for failure to follow proper protocols in granting such permits. They won and Gary McDuffee's permit was thrown out by the Minnesota Court of Appeals. Morrison County re-issued Gary's permit, and the neighbors appealed again. But as that fight went on, few people were paying attention to the facility of Gary's ex-wife, Wanda. According to many sources, Wanda's operation is larger, dirtier, and is failing to comply with both USDA requirements and Minnesota cruelty statues. According to USDA documents, she houses up to 800 breeding adults at one time, plus puppies. Because the video was captured via cell phone, details in the images can be difficult to make out. Even still, a dead dog can be clearly seen in one of the outdoor cages shown in the video. It is worth noting that Animal Ark decided to publish this video after comparing the images in the video to previously published still photos of Wanda McDuffee's facility. After making these comparisons, we believe the cell phone video below to have been recorded at her facility. Click the play button below to watch the video. It is worth pointing out that as the Minnesota legislature prepares to convene and at a time when the Minnesota Legislature will be asked to consider different approaches to regulating different breeders in the state, this video helps draw a distinction between large-scale puppy mills and small hobby breeders. It is virtually impossible to watch this video and not get a sense of the size and scope of this operation. It is worth pointing out, however, that while a clear picture of the size of this facility is presented in this video, only a small percentage of the total dogs at this facility were actually captured on video.

How You Can Help: Ask Your Senator and Representative to Support the Puppy and Kitten Mill Cruelty Prevention Act Donate to the Effort Email this to Your Friends and Family Get Involved: Check out Animal Ark's Puppy Mill Resource Center New: How much room does a puppy mill dog need, according to the USDA? Check out our puppy mill cage size calulator to find out.

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Comments from readers:

On 02/20/2009 Brian said: A letter to Rep. Lesch This is a copy of an email that was sent to Rep. Lesch of Minnesota: Dear Rep. Lesch- Maybe instead of using the taxpayers’ money to ban certain "Dangerous" breeds of dogs, you could write legislation that punishes the responsible parties (Humans) that promote animal fighting or folks who run puppy mills and illegitimate breeding operations. It seems to me that would be more sensible and productive to society, and ultimately a better use of the money that taxpayers pay to the great state of Minnesota. Not to mention, to let people get away with abusing and neglecting the most innocent is simply abhorrent and is not the reason you were elected to office in the first place. thanks for your time, no need to respond just another responsible yet concerned owner of a lovable Pit-Bull & a German Shepherd P.S. You wouldn't want anybody to ban you if people had treated you this way?? Would you?? http://www.animalarkshelter.org/animal/ArkArticles.nsf/AllArticles/217ACA41C00CF24E8625752F0068B86D?OpenDocument

On 02/03/2009 Mike Fry said: Yes, Colleen Hi Colleen, Yes, tragically, the white dog in the outside kennel was dead. You are right. We desperately need a viable puppy mill law in Minnesota. That we do not have one is a tragedy. This tragedy is made worse by the fact that the same people keep putting forth proposed legislation that would target smaller breeders. This misdirected focus has allowed very large facilities, like the one shown in this video, to keep operating with no oversight from the State whatsoever. Here is a basic reality: nearly everyone agrees that these large facilities should be regulated. There is disagreement about whether or not small breeders should be regulated. As we argue over the small breeders, these mass-production facilities just go on and on and on. Ironically, this means that animal welfare advocates obsessively focusing on small breeders are helping to perpetuate large-scale breeding operations.

On 02/03/2009 Colleen said: Shameful Was the little white dog laying down in the outside kennel dead? I hope the puppy mill legislation goes through and we can shut this hell hole down. Those poor babies living like that day after day, shameful that this is allowed in such a liberal state.

On 01/21/2009 Michele Mills said: Unbelievable! This is just too unimagineable for me! I think they are all about the buck and have no understanding, kindness, compassion or love for the living to include the wonderful creatures God created for us to have as pets. I hope something is being done to save those dogs and close that mill!

On 01/10/2009 Amy said: What can be done? Is there any action being taken? What can concerned Minnesotans do to help stop this poor treatment of animals in our state? Why does anyone buy an animal from a petstore? Who in power is taking note of this and what can we do?

On 01/10/2009 Debra said: Why No Legal Action? Why isn't the USDA or the state of Minnesota doing something about this??? The evidence seems irrefutable. There is no sense having laws if no one will enforce them.

On 01/09/2009 MAUREEN said: PUPPY MILL AFTER WATCHING THE VIDEO AT THE PUPPY MILL, I AM WONDERING ABOUT ALL THE ONES THAT DON;T GET OUT.THERE IS NO WAY SHE CAN SELL THAT MANY DOGS..YOU KNOW THEY ARE NOT HEALTHY,PARVO,ETC.IT IS THE SADDEST I HAVE EVER SEEN, NO JAIL FOR HER, I SAY THIS IS ONE FOR PRISON......LETS SEE HOW SHE LIKES THE TREATMENT THERE.....EVEN THATS TO GOOD FOR HER.

On 01/08/2009 Tanya said: nightmares I will be having nightmares about this video. Sick.

On 01/04/2009 Judi said: We should be asking what can be done to stop it! Seriously sad. Wasn't even aware Minnesota allowed it. Should be some sort of statement shared on what steps to take to stop it. A congressman email address or website.

On 01/02/2009 Tara said: losers The people that think this sort of "business" is ok should be thrown in jail and treated as they treated their dogs. Go out and get a realy job, profiting on the lives of animals like this is disgraceful.

On 01/01/2009 Christine Smith said: Disgraceful People who run places like these should be arrested and serve time, how would they like it if they were stuck in a cage 24/7. They should find themselves another job.

On 12/31/2008 Lynda said: I am sick I watched the video and cant believe this is legal. people should not be allowed to have this many dogs. it is sickening.