SHELBY – The average pet-owning household in the United States has 1.6 dogs. Imagine 75.
Friday morning, at 10:31 a.m., Shelby police responded to an animal complaint at 73 Marvin Ave. Authorities arrived two minutes later and found 60 dogs.
Officers and humane agents spoke to the owners, who gave consent for the officers to check the condition of the animals. The officers returned later in the day with warrants to recover the dogs.
“Deplorable conditions is an understatement,” The Richland County Humane Society said on its Facebook page. “While we have no doubt that the person living in this home loved these dogs, the conditions were unacceptable and inhumane — for people and humans.”
A commenter on the Humane Society’s post alleges the home was called in by neighbors twice previously. Once two years ago, and once four years ago.
“Without evidence, we would have never been able to get in the house,” the Humane Society commented. “Thankfully, the police tipped us off, and were able to get us access.
“It’s very frustrating. You have no idea.”
Humane Society officials were unavailable for comment at the time of publication when contacted by Richland Source.
“(The) dogs are currently in our care, and will be checked out by our vet tomorrow, and will be scheduled to get vaccines, tests and spay/neuter,” The Humane Society said on Facebook.
The Humane Society is asking for donations to cover the costs of caring for the recovered dogs, either through Candid or the PayPal link on its website.
Shelby police are monitoring the situation and will wait for reports on the health of the dogs.
