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Images on this page courtesy of the Atlanta Humane Society
humans + pets
Local Animal Shelter Saves 16 German Shepherds in 165-Dog Cruelty Case A neglect case involving 165 German Shepherds exposed horrific living conditions for dogs being housed on a property in a rural area of Southeast Georgia. Helping these dogs required collaboration across dozens of organizations, including the Brandywine Valley SPCA (BVSPCA). On Thursday, January 3, the Atlanta Humane Society’s Animal Cruelty Unit responded to a neglect case involving 165 German Shepherd Dogs on a property in Metter, Georgia. The dogs, ranging in age and health status, were found living in extremely neglectful conditions. They were housed in livestock pens with thick muck and minimal access to food and water. The owner of the property was arrested and faces animal cruelty charges. Fortunately all of the dogs were surrendered into the care of the Atlanta Humane Society. Atlanta Humane quickly marshalled their partners to assist, including the Brandywine Valley SPCA. “One look at the photos of the scene, and we knew right away we had to help,” said Adam Lamb, BVSPCA CEO. “Not only do we have experience with large intakes, our growing behavior program made us uniquely qualified to assist in this case.” The Rescue Mission The BVSPCA deployed a team to the Candler County property, joining dozens of shelters and rescue groups ready to step up for these dogs. The team arrived on Sunday morning to see a line of vehicles waiting to pull dogs to safety. That was the heartwarming part. As they got closer, the conditions were hard to bear, and the dogs were clearly terrified of so many humans trying to secure them as safely as possible. The BVSPCA team removed 16 dogs and traveled with them overnight to arrive at the West Chester Campus early Monday morning. After 24 hours of straight travel, the team finally had the dogs to the first step in getting a better life. Assessing the Dogs The dogs ranged in age from about one year old to three years old. Many were caked in dried muck with a foul odor, just one sign of the terrible life they were leaving behind. Some were underweight, others had fresh or partially healed wounds, and some bore the scars of what was likely a long period of neglect. All were frightened, but remarkably, none were defensive. They seemed to have little understanding of humans. That morning the BVSPCA completed medical exams so the dogs could begin receiving the medical and grooming care they so desperately needed. Each dog received an individual evaluation to determine the most appropriate next steps to assist in their recovery and, ultimately, placement with forever families. Taking on a dog from what was likely a puppy mill is no small project. Not only does the dog need to learn to trust humans, every single experience is new – from living inside, to hearing appliances, to walking up stairs, to wearing a leash. Despite the challenge, many people from the community came forward to help these dogs.
14
www.livingwellmagazine.net
February 2019
