EARS volunteers caring for rescued animals at temporary shelter
FORT WORTH, TX (July 7, 2009) – More than 50 volunteers worked diligently through the holiday weekend and into the night preparing for the arrival of nearly 500 dogs rescued today from a Montague County puppy mill after a warrant was served by the Montague County Sheriff’s department. The animals are being rescued and cared for by the Humane Society of North Texas with the assistance of United Animal Nations (UAN).
The rescue was set into motion by investigators with Humane Society of North Texas (HSNT) who received numerous tips about cruel conditions and neglected animals in need of veterinary care.
Sandy Grambort, Humane Society of North Texas Equine and Livestock Program Coordinator, was instrumental in making the monumental task a success. “Our mission is to act as an advocate on behalf of all animals and to ensure their legal, moral and ethical consideration and protection. We have saved hundreds of dogs today, and know that they will one day bring joy to someone in the near future,” Grambort said.
Chesapeake Energy donated use of a 4,000-square-foot warehouse in the Fort Worth stockyards to temporarily house the animals. Chesapeake’s vendors DynaTen, Ross Electric, Cowboy Welding and Signature Contracting contributed their services over the holiday weekend connecting plumbing, electricity and air conditioning in the former Swift Armour slaughterhouse, and mowing and trimming the lawn in order to create a safe and comfortable haven for these special animals and for the people who have rescued them.
PetSmart Charities donated hundreds of dog crates, pallets of dog food and water bowls and much needed supplies and volunteers to assist. “Seeing animals subjected to this level of neglect is truly heartbreaking,” said Susana Della Maddalena, executive director of PetSmart Charities®. “We applaud the efforts of the local and national animal protection and law enforcement agencies involved in this rescue operation and are proud to be part of this team.”
Volunteers with UAN’s Emergency Animal Rescue Service (EARS) will help staff the temporary shelter for the next two weeks. “Our EARS volunteers are specially trained to care for animals who have been traumatized and frightened by years of neglect,” said UAN Emergency Services Manager Janell Matthies.
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To support the Emergency Animal Rescue Service, make a contribution to UAN’s Disaster Relief Fund.
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Get more details about this situation on our Emergency Response Blog.
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Monetary contributions are also being accepted by the Humane Society of North Texas.
Founded in 1987, United Animal Nations (UAN) focuses on bringing animals out of crisis and strengthening the bond between people and animals through a variety of programs, including emergency sheltering, disaster relief services, financial assistance and education. Learn more at www.uan.org.
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