UAN provides critical temporary sheltering support for rescue mission
(September 1, 2010) – United Animal Nations (UAN) is leading operations to shelter nearly 100 dogs removed from an overrun property in Wibaux, Montana this morning. UAN volunteers joined the Wibaux County Sheriff’s Department and The Humane Society of the United States (HSUS) to remove the animals after neighbors raised concerns over the unsanitary living conditions and substandard care of the dogs. The owner surrendered all of the animals to the Wibaux County Sheriff’s Department.
  EARS volunteer Marsha Steckling of Colorado comforts a frightened new mother who had been living in filthy conditions at the home of a hoarder.  |
“UAN can step in to provide critical sheltering support when local authorities are faced with a large influx of animals that would normally overburden them,” said UAN Emergency Services Manager Janell Matthies, who traveled from Sacramento, California to manage the temporary shelter for the rescued animals. “We are proud to share our expertise and skills to help these animals and to support the Sheriff’s Department and the community.”
Eight UAN volunteers traveled to Wibaux County from South Dakota, Minnesota, Colorado, Wyoming and Western Montana to rescue the dogs and care for them at a temporary shelter set up specifically for this situation by UAN and HSUS. PetSmart Charities® donated much-needed sheltering supplies. The dogs will receive thorough veterinary checks and any necessary medical treatment while at the temporary shelter. Once they have the proper health certificates, The HSUS will transport them to partner shelters and rescue organizations to be placed for adoption.
 One of the rescued puppies is examined by a veterinarian.
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Distinguished by their red shirts, UAN volunteers are specially trained to care for animals at temporary shelters after they have been rescued from cruelty and neglect situations. UAN has more than 3,000 active, trained volunteers in the United States and Canada and provides its services free of charge to the community.
When responders arrived on the Wibaux County property they found more than 90 dogs, mostly shepherd mixes, living in filthy, crowded conditions inside the house and in an outdoor shed. The owner of the property did not have a telephone or a vehicle, making it difficult for him to properly care for the dogs. Many of the dogs suffered from medical ailments such as parasite infestation and skin infections. The owner had started out with good intentions but became overwhelmed and lacked the resources needed to give the dogs the care they needed – a problem often referred to as animal hoarding.
This is the second time in six weeks UAN has helped neglected animals in Eastern Montana. In July, six UAN volunteers rescued and sheltered more than 90 animals from an overcrowded shelter in Baker.
- To support our efforts, donate to our Disaster Relief Fund.
- Read more about this situation on our Emergency Response Blog.
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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