82 dogs rescued from a Mansfield, Ohio, home are receiving much-needed veterinary care and TLC from a local Humane Society today.
82 dogs rescued from neglectful home
It was a twist of fate that the dogs authorities saved the dogs from the inhumane conditions in which they were living. According to Fox 8 News, the Richland County Sheriff’s Office (RCSO) responded to excessive barking at a home on Saturday morning. While investigating, they happened upon a rusted-out trailer. Over a dozen dogs were living in cages.
“There were Poodles in there in cages that were filthy,” Linda Chambers, managing director of the Humane Society of Richland County (HSRC), told Fox 8 News. “They were stacked on top of each other. No air quality or anything.”
But that was only the tip of the iceberg. Authorities discovered more dogs – 82 in total.
Humane Society helps neglected dogs
The RCSO called upon the HSRC for assistance.
“A lot of Dachshunds, there were some Pugs, there are some little Terriers, mostly small breed dogs,” she said. “Some Hounds, Beagles, there’s just a whole bunch – there’s a whole variety of them. And like I said, the small Poodles that we found in the trailer.”
Sadly, one puppy was already dead. Another dog died at the vet. But the HSRC is working hard to restore the health of the other 80 dogs.
“When we got there and we saw how bad it was; I think we just went into the mindset that we gotta get them out,” Chambers said. “We had to get them to the shelter where we can assess them.”
All that assessment (and subsequent care) is expensive. So, the HSRC asked Facebook followers to help raise funds for the dogs’ treatment. It only took a day to raise $22,000.
“This will get them vetted,” Chambers said. “It’ll get them spayed, neutered, tested for heartworm, tested for parvo. We don’t get a break on that. So, when we put out a number and say: ‘Can you guys help us? We’re in a crisis.’ Our community, and I think Northeast Ohio, comes forward for us.”
Suspect arrested in connection with animal cruelty
Authorities arrested one man in connection with the neglected dogs. Animal cruelty charges are likely forthcoming.
“As animal advocates, shame on you for the conditions that you left them in,” Chambers said. “That is not the humane thing to do for animals. They deserve so much better.”
Chambers hopes to have the pups ready for adoption within a few weeks. Keep an eye on HSRC’s Facebook page for updates. You can also make donations to HSRC there.
