MORE: Abandoned, abused case increases concern pet advocates
On Feb. 9, more than 20 dogs, including seven adults and 13 puppies, were found abandoned in southern parts of the county. A sheriff’s deputy was dispatched to Primary Village South on Paragon Road where the dogs were left in a box with food and a note indicating the previous owner was no longer able to care for the animals.
The dogs, Yorkshire Terriers or mixes, were placed in the care of either SICSA or Luv4K9s in Dayton, according to Washington Twp. Administrator Jesse Lightle.
By Monday, six of the dogs with SICSA were ready for adoption, which brought out a steady stream of caring folks who wanted a new furry family member.
“People started showing up today around 9 a.m., when we opened at noon,” SICSA spokeswoman Samantha Hoefler said. “There were well over 100 people waiting at the doors to see these dogs. Within two hours, all six of the dogs found their forever homes.”
Hoefler said when the dogs arrived they were in bad shape and needed plenty of care.
“When these dogs came to us, they were in very poor condition. They were shut down, dirty and matted, and not comfortable with people handling them,” she said. “After some time, they started to grow more comfortable with our animal care and veterinary staff, and were vaccinated, groomed, spayed/neutered and ready for adoption.”
The overwhelming response from the community pleased SICSA workers and volunteers.
“We found it very humbling to see how they were able to come around and really become more friendly with our staff, and we know they will thrive in their forever homes,” Hoefler said.
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The Montgomery County Sheriff’s Office has launched an investigation into the case of the dogs that were abandoned.
Abandoning and abusing animals is a crime, as an Ohio law passed in 2016 made animal cruelty a fifth-degree felony.
“Our detectives are working diligently on this case to see if they can locate the person or persons who may have abandoned these dogs in the township,” said Sheriff Rob Streck.
Animal cruelty has recently came under the spotlight statewide. An bill under consideration in the legislature would make it a third-degree felony to knowingly and needlessly kill a pet.
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