BOWLING GREEN, KY (March 2, 2009) – More than 125 dogs rescued from horrific conditions at an Adair County hoarding situation are now resting comfortably thanks to United Animal Nations (UAN), The Humane Society of the United States (HSUS) and the Bowling Green-Warren County Humane Society (BGWC). The dogs are now being cared for at the BGWC Humane Society shelter and an emergency shelter set up by The HSUS and UAN at the Southern Kentucky Fairgrounds in Bowling Green. The HSUS is currently reaching out to partner shelters in the region to find placement for all of these neglected animals.
  One of 88 dogs EARS volunteers are caring for at a temporary shelter in Bowling Green, Kentucky. Photo courtesy Miranda Pederson, Bowling Green Daily News  |
“Our volunteers have responded to similar cases around the country, so they are prepared to provide the emotional and physical care these dogs desperately need,” said Diann Wellman, who is leading UAN’s team of 11 specially trained Emergency Animal Rescue Service (EARS) volunteers.
“This type of hoarding case happens all over the country,” said Pam Rogers, Kentucky state director for The HSUS. “The person’s intentions might have started off as good ones, but he soon had way more animals than he could care for properly. I am just relieved that The Humane Society of the United States has been able to come in and help these dogs.”
There were originally 300 dogs rescued from a former school house in Columbia, Kentucky last week, but rescue groups throughout the state were able to take in many of these animals. After local resources had been tapped, the BGWC Humane Society reached out to The HSUS for assistance in transporting, sheltering and placing these needy animals. The HSUS then called in UAN to assist with the sheltering needs of the approximately 125 dogs.
“Despite the terrible ordeal that these dogs have been through they are surprisingly resilient, and have already started warming up to their temporary caretakers,” said Lorri Hare, director of the Bowling Green-Warren County Humane Society. “With just a little bit of love and care these animals have already begun transforming into the dogs they were always meant to be.”
The dogs, which include breeds such as basset hounds and Labradors, were crowded into poorly ventilated rooms living amongst their own feces and urine. Rescuers could smell the stench of ammonia before they entered the facility. Many of the dogs were emaciated and suffering from untreated medical conditions such as skin infections and parasites. The dogs are being treated by a team of veterinarians and housed comfortably while they await placement with humane organizations throughout the region. A list of rescue organizations taking in dogs will be available.
Read more about this situation on UAN’s Emergency Response Blog.
Founded in 1987, United Animal Nations focuses on bringing animals out of crisis and into care through a variety of programs, including emergency animal sheltering and disaster relief services, financial assistance for urgent veterinary care and humane education. Learn more at www.uan.org.
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