Humane Society Assists In Rescue Of Over 200 Animals
By: Stephen Crews
Updated: March 1, 2011
The
Humane Society of the United States assisted the Houston County
Sheriff’s Department in the rescue of approximately 150 dogs and 50 cats
who were found living in deplorable conditions in Gordon, Ala. The
animals were removed from Dirty Sally’s Pet Pals, a non-profit
organization that claims to offer animals for adoption.
The organization has relinquished ownership of all of the animals to the
Houston County Sheriff’s Department.
This
rescue is the first that The HSUS has conducted using funds from the
Pepsi Refresh
Project. The HSUS recently won $250,000 dollars in the Pepsi Challenge
by getting the most votes for its proposal to rescue animals from
cruelty and neglect.
“Whether
Dirty Sally’s started with good intentions, it is now clear that the
organization
is unable to properly care for this number of animals, and we want to
make sure they get the care they need,” said Mindy Gilbert, Alabama
state director for The HSUS. “We are grateful to all of the groups that
came together to assist in this rescue and help
give these animals a second chance at healthy, happy lives.”
When
responders arrived on the scene they found breeds ranging from hound
mixes to Labrador
retriever mixes housed throughout the property. A veterinarian on the
scene determined that many of the dogs suffered from medical ailments
such as skin infections, untreated wounds and other serious ailments.
The cats were living in a dirty pen with little
safety from the elements. The dogs were being housed in feces-ridden
outdoor pens, inside several dilapidated trailers and chained to trees
throughout the property.
This
rescue was set into motion by the Houston County Sheriff’s Department,
which received
tips about allegedly cruel conditions and neglected animals in need of
veterinary care and reached out to The HSUS for assistance with animal
handling, transportation, sheltering and much-needed supplies. The HSUS
then called in United Animal Nations to provide
animal care and sheltering support. PetSmart Charities® donated food and
other supplies to the rescue efforts. Further assistance was provided
by Lee County Humane Society, Alabama Animal Control Association,
Montgomery Humane Society, Greater Birmingham Humane
Society and Chilton County Humane Society.
All
of the animals are being safely removed and transported to an emergency
shelter
where they will be examined by a team of veterinarians and receive any
necessary immediate medical care. The HSUS and UAN will provide the
daily care of the animals until they are placed with rescue groups.
If you are a rescue group in the area that would like to join our Emergency Services
Placement Partner Program and potentially take in some of these rescued animals please fill out the application here.
