ASPCA Assists in Triage, Placement of Nearly 100 Dogs Surrendered by Overcrowded Animal Rescue in Fulton County, N.Y.

NEW YORK--The ASPCA® (The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals®), at the request of the Fulton County Sheriff's Department in Johnstown, N.Y., is assisting in the triage and placement of 97 dogs surrendered from a non-profit animal rescue known as Help A Hound Canine Rescue in Oppenheim, N.Y., approximately 35 miles east of Utica.

"The ASPCA is currently examining and assessing all the dogs that were signed over to the Montgomery County SPCA and providing much-needed resources to help these displaced animals," said Jeff Eyre, Northeast director of ASPCA Field Investigations and Response. "Our goal is to quickly assess the animals and place them with various animal welfare agencies as soon as possible to minimize any stress on both the animals and the community."

Help A Hound Canine Rescue has gradually accumulated 80 dogs in an area allocated to house just 25. Public complaints and numerous visits from the Fulton County Sheriff's Department ultimately led Help A Hound Canine Rescue to close its operation. Various breeds were discovered on the property, including pit bulls, basset hounds, bulldogs, Chihuahuas, and shepherd and Lab mixes. Eyre reported that some of the dogs appear underweight and have skin problems, among other medical conditions. The dogs were relinquished to the Montgomery County SPCA.

ASPCA responders arrived Wednesday and are assisting local officials in triage and placement of the dogs. The ASPCA also deployed its fully equipped Northeast "Mobile Animal Crime Scene Investigation (CSI) Unit," a specially-designed vehicle on which the dogs are being examined, evaluated and treated. It is outfitted with state-of-the-art forensics tools and medical equipment tailored for animal patients.

Agencies assisting the ASPCA on scene and with placement include: Lollypop Farm (Fairport, N.Y.); Mohawk and Hudson River Humane Society (Menands, N.Y.); SPCA Serving Erie County (Tonawanda, N.Y.); Ulster County SPCA (Kingston, N.Y.); SPCA Serving Allegany County (Wellsville, N.Y); Columbia Greene Humane Society (Hudson, N.Y.); Saranac Technical Rescue Team (Plattsburgh, N.Y.); St. Hubert's Animal Welfare Center (Madison, N.J.); Finger Lakes SPCA (Bath, N.Y.); Mt. Pleasant Animal Shelter (East Hanover, N.J.); and Noah's Ark Animal Welfare Association (Ledgewood, N.J.). As part of the emergency relief efforts, PetSmart Charities® provided supplies, including pet transport carriers and crates.

"It's a tremendous strain on local agencies when they're suddenly faced with caring for a large number of animals," added Eyre. "The Montgomery County SPCA stepped up to the plate where resources were severely lacking, and the ASPCA is committed to helping them care for these dogs and place them with the appropriate rescue groups."

If the public would like to support the Fulton County Sheriff's Department for these rescued animals, please contact Christina VanValkenburgh in the Criminal Investigative Unit at [email protected] or (518) 736-2100.