Dozens of dogs rescued from Cowlitz Co.
kgw.com
Posted on March 4, 2011 at 10:08 PM
Updated yesterday at 11:42 AM
LONGVIEW, Wash. -- The Cowlitz County Humane Society is caring for dozens of dogs seized from an unlicensed breeder. The 34 dogs were found in deplorable conditions. Some were close to death.
"We’ve already trimmed a bunch of them... we’ve had about six different people here today clipping trimming cutting the whole bit," said Rick Johnson, Executive Director for the Cowlitz County Humane Society.
Slideshow: Dogs rescued from Cowlitz County
Animal control officers seized the dogs Thursday morning from an unlicensed breeder near Kelso. They say they found the dogs crammed into filthy makeshift kennels, sheds, and small crates.
"The conditions were just horrible; they were huddled together with no heat," said Johnson. According to the Humane Society, many of the dogs are puppies. Some are pregnant. And all are in need of a lot of care.
When animal control brought the dogs to the shelter, many were encrusted in feces and mud, and they suffered from a variety of injuries. Some wore bark collars so tight they had embedded into their necks. Others could barely walk. Johnson said they found one puppy in such bad shape officers thought she was dead.
"This didn't happen overnight... this is something that started months ago," said Johnson.
Since Thursday, volunteers have been cleaning, trimming and nursing the dogs back to health. Soon the pugs, Chihuahuas, Cairn terriers, Pekingese and Huskies will be looking for a safe loving home. It’s something authorities say they've never had and desperately need.
"Once we're sure they're healthy, then they'll be adopted out," said Johnson.
The dogs should be ready for adoption in about two weeks. The Humane Society cited the breeder, Steven Yaroslaski, for not having a permit and keeping animals in unsanitary conditions.
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