EARS volunteers traveling from six surrounding states to care for alleged fighting dogs left to starve
Sandersville, GA. (February 17, 2010) – United Animal Nations (UAN) has deployed nine volunteers with its Emergency Animal Rescue Service (EARS) to care for 26 alleged fighting and breeding dogs rescued from a property near Sandersville, Georgia by the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Field Investigations and Response team under the authority of the Washington County Sheriff’s Office. The groups are also assisted by a team from Sumter DART (Disaster Animal Response Team).
At least 26 emaciated dogs were discovered, chained to tire axles and posts that dotted the 25-acre property, and another six were found dead and in various stages of decomposition. Some of the dogs are suffering from untreated injuries, respiratory problems and open wounds. Tethered by long chains, the dogs were discovered without food, water or adequate shelter, shivering in the freezing temperatures. Authorities believe that the dogs rescued were used for fighting.
  An EARS volunteer comforts a dog rescued from an alleged fighting and breeding operation in Georgia. Photo courtesy ASPCA.  |
Distinguished by their red shirts, EARS volunteers are specially trained to care for animals at temporary shelters after they have been rescued from cruelty and neglect situations or displaced by natural disasters. EARS volunteers have traveled from Florida, Alabama, South Carolina, North Carolina, Virginia and Georgia to care for the rescued dogs at a temporary shelter. UAN will provide at least five EARS volunteers per day for the first ten days of the emergency sheltering operation.
“The UAN volunteers have been working tirelessly to set up the shelter and get the incoming animals settled so their care and rehabilitation can begin,” said UAN Emergency Services Manager Janell Matthies. “These are some of the skinniest dogs I have ever seen. Despite their old wounds and untreated injuries, the volunteers are being greeted with tail wags and kisses. The dogs seem to be enjoying the freedom of movement they have now without the short, heavy chains around their necks.”
Washington County authorities intend to arrest the caretaker of the animals, who claims that the original owner of the dogs did not provide them with adequate food and other necessities. Other arrests and animal cruelty charges are anticipated.
For updates on this situation, visit UAN’s blog.
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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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