The Department of Agriculture is asking a group of commercial breeders to get into compliance with regulations. That's why, on Friday, they released 106 dogs in deplorable conditions to Hearts United for Animals.

The rescuers were not allowed on the properties of the puppy mills, because the owners didn't want to be identified. But in just one year, HUA says they've rescued more than 500 dogs from these same operations, and they're wondering when the cycle will ever end.

Starved of human interaction, HUA Director Lori Hook says most of the dogs have spent their entire lives in cages where they can barely turn around.

"I think that the Department of Agriculture is looking to downsize some of the operations that weren't in such good condition, so we're happy to see that happen," Hook said.

As the dogs arrive, volunteers anxiously examined their conditions, and their fears were realized.

"He has huge mats hanging off of his tail here, and off of his backside," said Hook, pointing out the tangled fur.

But matted fur is the least of their problems. Injured limbs, feet deformed from wire cages, and eye problems that can only be fixed with surgery run rampant.

One of the most common medical problems the volunteers are finding in the dogs is infections in their mouth that rot out their teeth. But the infection doesn't stop in the mouth, it spreads through their jaws, and into their sinus cavities, requiring multiple surgeries to even get them back to where they can eat normally.

And Hook says all these problems will be very expensive to fix.

"Of the 50 that we're keeping, I'm estimating it will cost about $20,000 in medical expenses to just be able to get them to the point where they're comfortable and they're adoptable," Hook said.

HUA plans to keep about 50 of the dogs with the most serious medical maladies, and the rest will go out to other non-kill shelters in Nebraska and neighboring states.

HUA says it will be weeks or months before these dogs will be suitable for adoption, but they do have 300 other dogs ready to find homes if you're ready for a new pet.

One way HUA says you can always help is by donating money towards the medical costs.

For more information on adoption and how to donate online, click on the link below.

Canine Consultants at 1715 Van Dorn Street in Lincoln is also accepting donations.