ohmidog!

A dozen springer spaniels — from the Missouri puppy mill whose owner set his home and business on fire in February — arrived in Spokane, Wash., over the weekend, where the search to find them new homes will continue.

They were among the 200 dogs — springer spaniels and German shorthaired pointers — kept at River Valley Puppies, near Tecumseh, Mo., where owner Michael Vanderwall allegedly set fire to his kennels after officials contacted him about not having a breeder’s license.

Authorities said Vanderwall, whose breeding facility has been under state scrutiny at least since September, became angry when a Missouri Department of Agriculture inspector saw the conditions at his property and tried to persuade him to surrender the animals.

After the inspector left, Vanderwall allegedly set his barn, kennel, house and camper on fire after the inspector left. Fortunately, the dogs weren’t caged at the time and were roaming freely on the property.

“I just went a little nuts,” Michael Vanderwall told the Ozark County sheriff, according to a probable cause affidavit. The affidavit says Vanderwall was armed and initially wouldn’t permit emergency personnel onto his property, according to an Associated Press report.

He later relented, was arrested and told authorities his wife had left him, turned off his utilities, and informed the state he had abused his dogs. He said his property was under foreclosure and wasn’t insured, the affidavit said.

Best Friends Animal Society, was called in by the Missouri Department of Agriculture to assist with the case. This video was made during the organization’s first day on the scene.

To learn more about the dogs, contribute to their care, or look into adopting one, visit the Springer Rescue website