Friends of Animals rescues 34 dogs from area home

　The energy at the Friends of Animals (FOA) shelter this week was palpable as the already-crowded humane facility took in 34 dogs that shelter employees said appeared to have been part of either a “puppy mill” operation or hoarding situation at an area house.

　　According to Friends of Animals Board Chair Linda Towne, the FOA was alerted by area law enforcement officials last Friday of an overpopulation of dogs at a home in the area. Upon further investigation, 34 Yorkies, Miniature Pinschers and Dachshunds were found to be living in crowded, squalid conditions. Towne said 15 of the dogs were in the house and the rest were outside in two pens filled with feces.

　　“There was a small tool shed-type structure no bigger than a bathroom that was filled with cages piled up on top of each other up to the ceiling,” said Towne. “That must be where the dogs were kept at night.”

　　She said the lone water dish found in the outdoor pens was “totally filthy.”

　　Staff and volunteers transported the dogs back to the shelter, and for the next two days it took many helping hands to assess the dogs for health issues, bathe and groom them, trim their nails and begin working with their socialization. They were also given the necessary vaccinations.
　　“They were all very matted and dirty and it was a big job,” said Beth Wendroth, medical coordinator for the shelter. “We can’t thank Kennelz and Bitz [Pet Boarding and Grooming of Moose Lake] enough for offering their assistance in helping to clean up and groom the dogs.”

　　One of the dogs did not survive, and four or five of the others have severe dental issues. Towne said the FOA is hoping to start an “Angel Fund” to assist with dental care for these special needs dogs so they, too, can be adopted into loving homes.

　　Some of the other rescued dogs exhibited signs of various skin conditions from the unsanitary surroundings in which they were kept, but Wendroth said all conditions appear to be treatable. The majority of the dogs, which Wendroth said range from approximately 4 months to 5 years old, are in good condition and surprisingly affable considering the overcrowded conditions in which they were raised.
　　She said that adoption applications are now being taken for the dogs, adding that they all appear to be purebreds. Each will require a neutering contract as part of their adoption agreement.
　　The investigation into the case continues, and no further details have been released at this time.