Pokémon Mill by Team Rocket in Saffron City Shut Down with 84 Starter Pokémon in Critical Condition
Kanto Starter Pokémon were found trapped in crates to be bred and/or have their organs harvested for the black market.
January 27, 4:35 AM KST
By, Penny Chase
Last night at 10:00 PM KST, Saffron City police officers shut down a Pokémon mill rumored to be run by Team Rocket. A total of 84 Kanto starter Pokémon were rescued. Most are in critical condition.
"Just the smell of the place was horrendous. All these Pokémon—some just hatched, some who lived there their whole lives—were trapped in cages they could barely turn around in, sleeping in their own feces," reported a Saffron City Police Officer.
The Saffron City Pokémon Center, one of the largest Centers in the region, exceeded its capacity that night. Police officers and visiting trainers volunteered to pitch in at the overcrowded facility. The Pokémon that could not be cared for there were sent to neighboring Centers for treatment.
Senior Nurse Yasu Joy, the head of the Saffron City Pokémon Center, could only spare a few words in the midst of the chaos. "I've seen many tragedies since I started my residency here, but this...this…eight-four Pokémon, and all suffering from dehydration, malnutrition, overheat, and muscle loss. Those are not even the worst. The ones that have been harvested…" The senior staff said no more before once again attempting to control the chaos.
This incident is one of many in the trend of illegal Pokémon mills that breed starter Pokémon for profit on the black market. Starter Pokémon are one of the most valuable Pokémon for trainers, having been scientifically bred for generations as loyal, reliable, and powerful team members. However, they are found almost exclusively in domesticity, having been overcaught in the wild. They are only given to researchers and licensed Pokémon battling trainers.
This has caused the starters to be coveted in the black markets, where they are desired not only for their trainability but also their organs for traditional medicine. The sap from a Bulbasaur's bulb is believed to increase longevity, while the shells of Squirtle guard against malevolent spirits. Charmander, one of the most highly sought after starter Pokémon for its final evolution, are bred the most. While harmful traditional medicine practices have declined in recent years, superstitious beliefs of the properties of Pokémon parts still persist.
There are ways you can help combat this cruelty. If you are interested in acquiring starter Pokémon, please contact your local Pokémon laboratory or Center for information on how to become a licensed and registered Pokémon Trainer. If you have any information about a suspected Pokémon mill or Team Rocket, please call 1-999-MILL-TIP or report it to your local police station. Thank you.
About the Author:
Penny Chase is an investigative reporter at Hoenn TV's Pokémon News. Email her at pchase at pokémail . com and follow her on BuzzNav at PennyChaseNews.
Pokémon Record
Report by: Senior Nurse Y. Joy
Owner's Name: N/A
Address: N/A
Pokémon's name: N/A
Species: Bulbasaur
Pedigree: Purebred
Sex: F
Age: 3 years
Birthdate: Unknown
Color & Markings: 8 markings on body; triangle shape on forehead.
Treatment and Progress:
Date: 1/27
Treatment:
- IV-drip of half-strength solution with 5% dextrose, 10 mL/up to a maximum of 12 h; glucose, nitrogen, phosphorous, potassium, magnesium, sulfur, and calcium.
- Exposure to sun-lamps.
Progress:
- Condition: Severe
- Symptoms: Severe trauma to seed, sap drained; muscle atrophy; vines lacerated to decrease mobility and offensiveness; dehydrated and malnourished; discolouration from lack of chlorophyll. Produced approximately 10 eggs.
- Temperament: Protective of other Pokémon. When Pokémon in neighboring cages were removed, the Bulbasaur tackled its cage door and attempted to use its injured vines.
Date: 1/28
Treatment:
- Operation: surgically removed infected vines.
- IV-drip of glucose, nitrogen, phosphorous, potassium, magnesium, sulfur, and calcium.
- Exposure to sun-lamps.
Progress:
- Condition: Severe
- Symptoms: vines infected
- Temperament: Attempted to tackle the nurses when approached. No real damage, but had to be restrained to prevent self-harm.
Date: 1/29
Treatment:
- Introduced semi-solid, nutritious foods
- Exposure to sun-lamps.
Progress:
- Condition: Serious
- Symptoms: Stabilized
- Temperament: Still growls at the nurses when they approach, but no longer actively aggressive.
Prognosis:
With proper nutrition and care, has a positive prognosis, and will hopefully be rehabilitated in protective reserves. Requires therapeutic intervention and behavioral training before suitable for Trainers. Is not suitable for competitive Trainers.
Pokémon Record
Report by: Senior Nurse Y. Joy
Owner's Name: N/A
Address: N/A
Pokémon's name: N/A
Species: Charmander
Pedigree: Purebred
Sex: F
Age: 3 weeks
Birthdate: Unknown
Color & Markings: Second-degree burns on back from tail.
Treatment and Progress:
Date: 1/27
Treatment:
- IV-drip of half-strength solution with 5% dextrose, 10 mL/up to a maximum of 12 h.
- Burns treated with cold compresses and antibiotic ointment, and wrapped in bandages.
- Exposure to heat lamp
Progress:
- Condition: Serious
- Symptoms: low-tail flame; malnourished; dehydrated; second-degree burns on back from tail. Lack of protective oils on skin.
- Temperament: Fatigued and weak. Exhibits instinctive reactions.
Date: 1/29
Treatment:
- Fed semi-solid, nutritious foods.
- Burns treated with antibiotic ointment and wrapped in bandages.
- Exposure to heat lamp
Progress:
- Condition: Moderate
- Symptoms: Malnourished; dehydrated; second-degree burns on back from tail. Lack of protective oils on skin.
- Temperament: Tail flame has improved. Shows more energy and alertness. Still weak.
Prognosis:
Her development has been stunted from early trauma. Recovery will be long, but her prognosis is promising.
Pokémon Record
Report by: Senior Nurse Y. Joy
Owner's Name: N/A
Address: N/A
Pokémon's name: N/A
Species: Squirtle
Pedigree: Purebred
Sex: M
Age: 5 years
Birthdate: Unknown
Color & Markings: N/A
Treatment and Progress:
Date: 1/27
Treatment: N/A
Progress:
- Condition: Maximal
- Symptoms: Extreme trauma caused from the shell being removed from the body.
Prognosis: Deceased upon arrival from acute blood loss.