It’s official, 250 puppies that were rescued from Trish’s All Breeds Pet Grooming in Tampa in September have been cleared for adoption and will be able to go to their “furever” homes on November 17, 2019. There has been a great deal of interest in the “Diana Street Dogs” as they were dubbed when they were rescued from decrepit living conditions in a puppy mill at 2501 E. Diana Street in Tampa. Hillsborough County Animal Services said they received nearly 700 calls per day after the puppies were rescued from families interested in finding out more about adoption.

So, how much are those doggies? Well, county commissioners decide to raise the normal adoption fees to $450 for the majority of the smaller breeds and $300 for the rest with a $50 discount for Hillsborough County residents. The price includes fees for microchipping, spaying and neutering each pet, as well as pet registration and tag fees.

The animals have been in the county’s care since they were taken from the Tampa puppy mill in September, and the county was required to hold the animals for 30 days before putting them up for adoption. County investigators are working with the State Attorney’s office to determine whether to pursue criminal charges and to ban the owners and others involved from ever being able to have pets in the future. Unfortunately, not all of the animals survived the deplorable conditions and 50 animals have not been cleared because they are battling severe illnesses, or are pregnant.

Anyone interested in adopting the puppies will have to go through a rigorous 3-step lottery process, which begins by applying in-person in person 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday, November 10, at the All People’s Life Center, at 6105 E. Sligh Ave. There will be one application per household with valid identification. Applicants must pass a background check, commit to not selling the animal for at least three years and allow home inspections. Anyone who violates the contractual agreement will be subject to a $500 penalty.

For more information, contact the pet resource center at (813) 272-5900 or visit www.hillsboroughcounty.org and visit the newsroom.