ASPCA Rescues 65 Dogs and Puppies Living in Unsanitary Conditions on Central Georgia Property

SPARTA, Georgia—The ASPCA^® (American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals^®), at the request of Hancock Animal Friends, is on the ground in Central Georgia rescuing 65 dogs living on the property of an overwhelmed pet owner in Hancock County. The ASPCA removed the animals, including several puppies, on Saturday, April 23, after they were found living in substandard conditions. The Atlanta Humane Society assisted with the rescue by providing boots-on-the-ground responders and veterinary expertise during the removal. Hancock Animal Friends also provided assistance with the rescue operation and is providing care for several dogs and puppies removed from the property earlier this month.

The animals were found in unsanitary conditions throughout the property and in the home, and some suffered from medical issues that will require immediate veterinary treatment, including mange, overgrown nails, and parasites, as well as one dog with a broken limb and one with conjunctivitis. When the pet owner realized she could not provide proper care for the animals, she agreed to voluntarily surrender them to the ASPCA.

“The ASPCA is pleased to be in a position where we have the expertise and resources to help pet owners in need and improve the lives of animals in communities across the country. We commend Hancock Animal Friends for recognizing the need for additional assistance to provide appropriate care for these dogs and thank the Atlanta Humane Society for their support,” said Kyle Held, director of investigations for the ASPCA. “Some of these dogs will require medical treatment and behavioral rehabilitation, and we look forward to providing them with much-needed care and helping prepare them for the next chapter in their lives.”

More than 25 of the dogs removed from the property were relocated to the Atlanta Humane Society where they will receive care before being made available for adoption as soon as they have been treated medically and received the behavior support they need. The ASPCA is transporting the remaining dogs to an emergency shelter where they will receive medical and behavioral treatment and enrichment to prepare them for adoption.

"The Atlanta Humane Society is here to improve animal welfare across our state and be there for animals when they need us the most", said Tracy Reis, Director of Atlanta Humane Society's Animal Protection Unit. "We're honored to be able to provide support for these dogs and to give them access to the expertise of our Shelter Medicine and Behavior Teams so they can heal and find new homes here in Atlanta."

The ASPCA deploys nationally to assist local authorities in animal cruelty and neglect cases including animal fighting, hoarding, and puppy mills. It also provides local communities with resources including grant funding and training to effectively assist animals during cruelty and disaster situations.

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About Atlanta Humane
The Atlanta Humane Society is a no-kill animal shelter serving more than 60,000 of Atlanta’s animals each year through various services including adoption, veterinary care, and community outreach. Last year, they provided 128,033 of these animal services to people and pets throughout Georgia and the Southeast. They operate out of three locations in metro Atlanta and help find thousands of animals loving homes each year. As Atlanta’s oldest non-religious nonprofit, they have been caring for the Atlanta community and its animals for more than 149 years. For more information, please visit atlantahumane.org.