According to the authorities, approximately 900 to 2,000 animal hoarding cases occur every year. Without any intervention from animal rescuers and the police, the animals in such situations live in filthy conditions and without enough food or water.
After receiving animal cruelty reports, the sheriff’s department of Walker County, Alabama, offered two men several opportunities to provide their dozens of animals with better living conditions. Eventually, the officers had no option but to remove the animals from the property.
The sheriff’s department called the Greater Birmingham Humane Society (GBHS), an animal shelter, for help. Although GBHS has the biggest shelter hospital in Alabama, the number of animals on the said property was too much for them.
When the shelter staff arrived at the scene, they found several dogs chained up in cold weather, living in outdoor pens. In a small house lived more than 40 dogs with no access to food, clean water, or even fresh air.
Fortunately, the shelter has a team trained to give emergency care to animals during disasters or criminal situations. At the scene, they provided vaccinations and medications to the apprehended dogs.
The shelter’s marketing director, Stephanie Salvago, said that the dogs have already taken medicated baths, dewormed, and undergone behavioral evaluations. They are also feeding the rescue dogs special diets. GBHS contacted the BISSELL Pet Foundation, an animal welfare organization, and other organizations for more resources and volunteers.
According to GHBS’s CEO, Allison Black Cornelius, they managed to keep some dogs at their shelter. Unfortunately, they do not have enough space for over 100 rescue dogs. Thus, getting these dogs in permanent placements is their goal. BISSELL Pet Foundation will help transfer other dogs to other animal shelters, including Atlanta Humane, Humane Society of Tulsa, and Belleville Area Humane Society.
As for the men responsible, they are in custody and are facing several counts of animal cruelty. Luckily, someone reported their cruel actions.
Salvago said that anyone who thinks that an animal is living in bad condition or is in danger should report it to the local shelter or authorities. Organizations like theirs ensure that people and animals live the best life possible.
Credits to Greater Birmingham Humane Society