Wednesday, April 25, 2012

DEVASTATING NEWS TO SAY THE LEAST

Many of you who have joined the Open Group on Facebook, Proctor (Arkansas) Dogs in Need Group already know this, but for those of you who do not, please read the post I copied from the Group Page below...

4/24/12: We have some very very sad news to report. Nick called me to let me know that the local Animal Control was called out to Mr. B's property yesterday (4/23) per the request of the County Sheriff's Department. Apparently an officer was out on the property on another matter and noticed all the dogs. He called the Sheriff's Dept who in turn called the local Shelter to go out an pick them up. None of us were there, but they apparently picked up 16 dogs yesterday. Nick said when he went there today, Animal Control was there again and picked up another 4 today.
       I immediately called the Shelter manager to let her know that our Group was trying to help Mr B with those dogs and not to let anything happen to them. I then received the devastating news that it was too late...due to an already overcrowded shelter, they were given the orders to euthanize all of the dogs. I for one and completely heartbroken to say the least. The Shelter Manager told me there are 4 at the shelter right now that they picked up today and to contact the County Sheriff's Dept to let them know what was going on. Nick and I met with the Chief Investigator this afternoon.
         Long story short...this was a very sad and unfortunate event. Mr. B signed all the dogs over (hence no hold time) because he was told he would face felony cruelty charges if he didn't. The County did not know we were helping Mr B, nor did the shelter. Yes, the shelter was contacted about a month ago (both in this area were) and at that time neither would help. However, because it was now considered a cruelty case, the shelter had no choice but to go out to the property and take the dogs.          
        We are completely sickened by the whole thing. Apparently Mr B was told that he could keep 3 dogs. There are approx 12 dogs still out there they think (including Blue Eyes who has not yet given birth). The plan was for them (the Shelter) to pick up the rest of them on Thur. The Chief Investigator has promised us that nothing will happen to the 4 at the shelter and that they would not attempt to pick up any more so that we could have some time to work on rescue for the remaining dogs. He is supposed to call the Shelter and straighten everything out. Nick and I reviewed the goals with the Chief Inv. and he is willing to work with us provided we keep a check on the whole situation. We only have approximately 1 month to get a majority of the dogs out and into rescue.
          What we plan to do is go back out there and take pics of the dogs that remain on the property. We want to move forward with the plan to bring pens out there so that we can spay and neuter all the remaining dogs. We believe the that 4 from the shelter MAY be released back to MR B so that we can work on their rescue as well (we won't know for sure until tomorrow). The Revolution arrived today (sadly)...we can start to treat them for mange when we go out to set up the pens. We will then be BEGGING for some rescues to take some of the remaining dogs before something happens again so please keep spreading the word. The remaining dogs still need decent shelter so we definitely can still use the pallets, etc. We can better assess the water situation when we go out there again too. We will still need food on an ongoing basis because we promised to make sure the dogs would be well fed.
             This has been a very difficult day to say that least. I am sure that Mr B is beyond devastated as well. We want to thank everyone for their continued support in this endeavor. Many innocent lives were lost today, but let's please not let them die in vain. We can still make a difference. Thank you for taking the time to read this.

Update 4/25/12: We have heard more devastating news. Apparently the 4 dogs that were picked up yesterday were euthanized as well. Not sure exactly what changed between when Nick and I left the Sheriff's office, but we WILL get to the bottom of it. We know that several of the remaining dogs will need rescue IMMEDIATELY so PLEASE ask around. As we said before, we have Revolution to treat their mange and will provide food if someone could take one or more in to keep them safe in the meantime.   We WILL contact the media if needed, but we are hoping that all parties are willing to work together to help Mr. B and his ramaining dogs.  We will know more tomorrow.  Prayers needed on this one folks...     
    
        R.I.P. to the precious fur- souls who lost their lives.  We are so sorry that humans failed you. 

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