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QUINCY, IL -- The Quincy Humane Society and other area rescue groups got more than they bargained for this holiday season.

Sixty-five dogs were seized from an area puppy mill earlier this month.

Six of those were taken to the Quincy Humane Society.

You hear a lot about puppy mills, but you don't have to look very far to find them. The six that went to the Quincy Humane Society included a miniature schnauzer, dachshund, yorkie and shih tzu. One young poodle already has been adopted.

Westerhoff said, "These dogs have never been handled by people. They've been kept in small cages their whole lives, so it takes time to transition into a life of being a pet."

Executive Director Sally Westerhoff said all of the dogs had to be professionally groomed immediately, because their coats were extremely matted. KHQA's Rajah Maples asked Westerhoff how big of a problem puppy mills is here in the Tri-States.

She answered, "It's a big problem. I've been to a few in Illinois, and I think Missouri has the reputation of having the largest number of puppy mills in the U.S., so people should be very wary of buying puppies in pet stores, because the puppies look cute and they break your heart, but you have to understand this is the identification that these dogs wear. They live in tiny cages. They little vet care, so we just have to stop that cycle and not perpetuate it."

Westerhoff says if you can't see the puppy's parents or the seller wants to meet you at a gas station to sell the dog, those factors should serve as red flags.

"I think it's a time when people are thinking about adding a pet, so I would encourage people to check with their local shelter," she said. "About 25 percent of all animals in animals shelters are thought to be purebreds. Use petfinder.com or go through a rescue group."

Spay/neuter programs also are a good way to cut down on unwanted dogs, many of which are euthanized every week.

The Quincy Humane Society offers a low cost clinic Monday through Thursdays.

It's open to all Tri-State residents -- not just Quincy pet owners.