349 Neglected Dogs Find Shelter After Massive Seizure Case in Ohio

YARMOUTH PORT, Mass., Feb. 25, 2011 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Officials in Clark County Ohio found and removed 76 dead and 349 surviving dogs during a raid conducted on Tuesday, February 22nd. The neglected dogs were found living amongst garbage and feces inside rat-infested hog barns. The rescue is a joint effort by the Clark County Humane Society and the ASPCA (American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty for Animals) with the backing of IFAW (the International Fund for Animal Welfare – www.ifaw.org).

Three rescue trailers operated by the ASPCA and Sumter DART were used to move the dogs on Tuesday to a temporary shelter set up in Franklin County, Ohio. Nearly 100 responders were on the scene the day of the removal, including staff and volunteers from the Clark County Humane Society, ASPCA, IFAW, representatives from Clark County Combined Health District, and dog wardens from four counties. A large team of veterinarians remains on-site to care for the sick and injured animals.

"These dogs are facing a very stressful transition in their lives, they've gone from communal living to a very structured environment as we separate them into kennels," said Gail A'Brunzo IFAW Emergency Relief Officer. "The good news is that they're getting plenty of food and water and a warm and clean place to live in. From now on, their lives will only get better."

Prior to the confiscation, the dogs were kept by One More Chance Rescue and Adoption, an organization owned and operated by Jeff Burgess, 56 of Piqua, Ohio.

"The shelter operator intended to save animals at risk of euthanasia, but did not have the resources or capacity to provide adequately for these animals," said Kyle Held, the ASPCA's Midwest Director of Field Investigations and Response. "Many of the dogs discovered on the property are in critical condition and in varying stages of illness."

Recently, authorities confiscated dogs from another facility owned by Burgess in Piqua. A number of charges could be filed against him after the necessary investigations take place.

About IFAW (the International Fund for Animal Welfare)

Founded in 1969, IFAW saves animals in crisis around the world. With projects in more than 40 countries, IFAW rescues individual animals, works to prevent cruelty to animals, and advocates for the protection of wildlife and habitats. For more information, visit www.ifaw.org. Follow us on Facebook and Twitter.

SOURCE International Fund for Animal Welfare