Rescued bulldogs on sale for thousands, animal advocates concerned

Some of the English bulldogs rescued from a puppy mill in Las Cruces by an Alamogordo animal rescue group are now being sold for thousands of dollars.

ABC-7 has learned the price tags to adopt some of the 40 bulldogs run from $800 to $2,200.

“I believe she’s setting herself up for failure,” said Marie Hallock-Sweet, a Las Cruces animal advocate questioning the motives of the Animal Village of New Mexico, the rescue group led by Sunny Aris.

Hallock-Sweet told ABC-7 the $2,200 price tag will discourage those interested in adopting the puppies.

“Those animals are going to be there a long time because people can’t afford them,” said Hallock-Sweet.

Anna Juarez, a board member of the Humane Society of Southern New Mexico, told ABC-7 Aris incurred “astronomical veterinarian bills.”

“Aris is in a difficult situation,” said Juarez, “She took in those dogs and doesn’t have the money to meet all their needs.”

Juarez said she knows Aris will not make a profit on the puppies, but understands the concerns raised by Hallock-Sweet.

“If I was looking around to adopt an animal and this place wants $2,000 – that’s crazy. I can go down to the shelter and get them for $75,” Juarez said.

ABC-7 visited the Animal Village of New Mexico, hoping to get an explanation from Aris for the high prices. She refused to comment and asked us to leave.

An Animal Village volunteer later came out and said Aris is a good person and is just trying to recoup some of the costs she incurred saving the bulldogs.