INDIAN RIVER COUNTY — The Humane Society of Vero Beach and Indian River County is providing emergency shelter and care to 15 dogs from Polk County to free up space there. The Polk County Animal Control took in 261 dogs confiscated from a Polk City “rescue group” on Thursday.
“Whenever possible, we’re committed to helping other animal shelters in times of crisis,” Humane Society of Vero Beach and Indian River County Director of Animal Care Maria Ramirez said.
Ramirez and several other staff members were called in after hours to transport the 15 dogs to Vero Beach on Saturday night after receiving an emergency request for assistance.
The Humane Society of Vero Beach and Indian River County, the Humane Society of the United States and three animal shelters from Florida’s west coast also responded to Polk County to provide support.
Since all of the dogs will need full veterinary exams and possible medical care it could be two to three weeks before they are placed for adoption.
“Right now all of the dogs appear to be in good health and several are already spayed or neutered, but we want to make sure everyone’s in good shape,” Ramirez explained.
The Humane Society of Vero Beach and Indian River County is accepting donations to spay and neuter the rest of the dogs and to provide any needed veterinary care.
Fourteen of the dogs are puppies ranging in age from four months to one year while one dog appears to be two or three years old.
The rescued dogs include Husky mixes, Miniature pinscher mixes, Basenji mixes, Manchester terrier mixes, Boxer mixes and Chihuahua mixes.
Earlier this week, Polk County officials shut down Mid-Florida Retriever Rescue, which was being run out of a couple’s home. They had received an anonymous tip that more than 100 dogs were being neglected, according to The Tampa Tribune.
