Evidence is still being processed and charges are pending in a large-scale alleged animal cruelty case in Habersham County.
More than 350 animals were seized from a property near Clarkesville. They include dogs and puppies, cats, donkeys, pigs, chickens, ducks, doves, bunnies, a horse and an alpaca, according to the Humane Society of the United States (HSUS). The national animal advocacy group is assisting Habersham County Animal Care and Control (HCACC) in the rescue operation.
HCACC Officer Wayne Higgins first discovered the animals during a welfare check on the property after a neighbor complained about barking. After executing a search and seizure warrant Wednesday, officials and volunteers began removing the animals.
Many are being relocated to a temporary emergency shelter.
Media access to that shelter was allowed Friday under strict guidelines from HSUS that its location not be disclosed in order to protect the animals.
HCACC Director Madi Hawkins says animals are still being processed from the scene and are being evaluated on an individual basis as they arrive at the shelter.
“There is still a team out there removing animals,” she says. “What we’re doing is, every animal from here on out is going to be evaluated by a veterinarian. Also, a lot of these animals have had severe matting that is causing pain and discomfort to them. They will be groomed.”
The names of the animals’ owners and address of the property where the animals were found still have not been released.
Case attracts national attention
News of the investigation has gone national as HSUS continues to share images and video of the massive rescue operation on its website and through social media.
Volunteers, donations and groomers needed
Offers of help are streaming in and Hawkins says HCACC can use “a lot” of help.
“Right now we are looking for temporary volunteers,” she says. “They do have to be approved through our vetting system, so, if you have volunteered with us in the past and are willing to come help us care for 300 extra dogs, we’d sure appreciate that.”
She says donations are desperately needed.
“This is going to be a very, very, very, costly venture for us,” Hawkins says. “If you’ve been to our shelter or are familiar with our animal control [then you know] we are very limited with our resources. So, this is going to be a lot of bedding, a lot of food, and a lot of cages that right now are going to be extremely costly for us.”
Hawkins also is appealing to groomers for help.
“If you are a groomer, please get in touch with us. We are definitely going to need your services.” She adds, “We’re also hoping later on down the road that we are also looking for adopters.”
Adoptions
Once legal custody of the animals has been determined and the animals have received needed care, HCACC and HSUS will provide more information on potential adoptions.
READ: Over 300 animals seized near Clarkesville
“Hopefully we will have some news on that soon,” Hawkins says. “So, if you are in the market for a new friend from Habersham County Animal Shelter, make sure you stay in contact with us and Now Habersham so that you will be the first to know when these animals go up for adoption.”
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Original article: Seized animals relocated to temporary shelter; Animal Control asks for public’s help.