The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals is placing some of the dogs rescued from a Worth County commercial breeding facility last week with shelters and rescue groups in the Midwest, according to a press release.

Cedar Bend Humane Society in Waterloo, Iowa; Humane Society of North Iowa in Mason City; Nebraska Humane Society in Omaha, Nebraska; and Wichita Animal Action League in Wichita, Kansas, have received the dogs, the release states.

“Over the past few days, the ASPCA worked with its network of rescue groups and shelters to find suitable placement options following careful evaluation of the animals’ medical and behavior disposition for a select group of dogs,” according to the release.

The remaining dogs are expected to remain at an undisclosed temporary shelter where veterinary forensic and behavior experts continue to complete assessments to support the investigation led by the Worth County Sheriff’s Office. 

“We are incredibly grateful for our response partners who are supporting our rescue operation by sending volunteers to care for these animals as well as taking in animals to give them a second chance,” said Jessica Rushin, senior manager of ASPCA Partnerships. “Our responders have been working around the clock to care for these dogs, and we look forward to seeing them move on to the next stage where they will have an opportunity to be adopted into safe and loving homes.”

The ASPCA assisted the Sheriff’s Office Nov. 12 with evidence collection from White Fire Kennels, removing and sheltering the 160 dogs — mainly Samoyeds — showing signs of neglect. The ASPCA took the animals to the emergency shelter and has since been providing daily care with support from other agencies.

Investigators allegedly discovered the Samoyeds — a Siberian breed of medium-sized white or cream-colored sled dogs — in a search warrant.

The owner of the facility, Barb Kavars, has not been charged in connection with the incident. 

Worth County Sheriff Dan Fank said he hopes the investigation is complete by the end of the year, after which Kavars could be charged.

The Sheriff’s Office has investigated the Manly facility where the dogs were found since last spring.

Fank said last week Kavars relinquished more than 100 dogs over the last few months but allowed the Samoyeds to continue breeding.

According to an ASPCA press release, the dogs were “living in appalling and overcrowded conditions and exhibiting signs of neglect with no access to clean water.” The dogs were being kept in “an inhumane commercial breeding facility — often referred to as a puppy mill.”

The organization said many dogs were “in filthy, dilapidated kennels in below-freezing temperatures with minimal protection from the elements.”

Debris was described as scattered throughout the property as responders worked to remove dogs. A few cats showing signs of neglect were allegedly also found inside the residence.