INDIAN RIVER COUNTY – The Humane Society of Vero Beach and Indian River County is providing emergency shelter to 11 small dogs surrendered by a Suwannee County breeder who could no longer care for them.
The dogs were initially removed due to a cooperative effort between The Humane Society of the U.S., The Humane Society of Marion County in Ocala, and Suwannee County Animal Control.
The 11 dogs finding sanctuary in Vero Beach include Chinese cresteds, Boston terriers, Dachshunds, a Pug, a Chihuahua, and a Boston terrier/Pug mix.
While the dogs are highly social, officials found the dogs flea-infested, matted, some are heartworm positive and several have serious eye conditions. The breeder’s name will not be released since Suwannee County law enforcement felt it was in the dogs’ best interests not to file charges.
“This is yet another case of breeders and those with more animals than they can properly care for impacting local shelters,” said Ilka Daniel, Director of Animal Protective Services. “Our Humane Society responds to large-scale neglect and cruelty cases in the same way we would respond to a natural disaster.”
Daniel added the dogs will be placed for adoption once they have received medical and behavior evaluations.
“I’m delighted to know that shelters across our state can rely on each other in times of crisis,” Humane Society of Marion County Executive Director Bruce Fishalow said.
This is the second time in two months that the Humane Society of Vero Beach and Indian River County has responded to large scale confiscations in other communities.
In April, staff and volunteers provided emergency assistance when over 150 animals were confiscated from a “sanctuary” in St. Lucie County.
Shelter staff from both the Humane Society of Vero Beach and Indian River County and the Humane Society of Marion County also traveled to Joplin, Mo., to care for more than 800 animals left homeless after a tornado destroyed more than half the city.
Individuals interested in making a donation of supplies or money, seeking adoption information or who would be interested in disaster response training, please call (772) 388-3331. ext.10.