What stands out about this article is the concern this Shelter is showing for dogs who others might dismiss as unadoptable and not worthy of attention.
Thanks to the Star Beacon for this article.
More dogs seized, more bills for Humane Society
MARGIE TRAX PAGE
Star BeaconMONROE TOWNSHIP – – When other dogs growl, Springer just drools.
A short golden pit bull with scars on his face and a strange tendency to walk with his back legs bowed, Springer leaps into the air – – straight up – – as if he is on springs.
“This guy is very friendly – – sort of oddly friendly, given his circumstances,” an Ashtabula County Humane Society agent said.
Springer is one of 11 dogs seized at a Root Road property Wednesday afternoon after Ashtabula County Sheriff’s deputies and humane agents found the animals living outside with no food or water.
Many of the dogs were literally locked to thick chains. Some even had weights attached to their collars and deputies collected dogfighting training tools at the scene, a humane agent said.
Though all but one dog was taken from the property, the agents aren’t sure whether some will have to be put down because of aggressiveness. One of the dogs was so aggressive he turned on the agents and was shot by a deputy, humane agents said.
The Humane Society is already stretched to it’s financial limits, as the agents seized 10 horses from a Cherry Valley property in February and are holding the animals until the conclusion of a jury trial. Four of the horses were pregnant, and one gave birth earlier this month.
The addition of 11 malnourished, dehydrated dogs puts the Humane Society in a precarious financial situation.
“We have no idea how we are going to pay for the vet bills on these dogs. Some of them have wounds. One dog was torn up right in front of us by a big dog. It is a heartbreaking situation,” an agent said.
The dogs will need thousands of dollars in treatment, including routine shots and heartworm medicine. Springer’s bowed legs also are a concern.
“We don’t know what is wrong. It could be an old injury or a pinched nerve or something with his spine,” an agent said.
To help the Humane Society, checks can be sent to The Ashtabula Humane Society, P.O. Box 422, Jefferson, 44047. Write the word “dogs” on the check.
Businesses that wish to money, food or other supplies can call (440) 969-6100 or visit www.ACHSOhio.org or e-mail info@achsohio.org.
