June 2010

On June 17, the ASPCA's Field Investigations and Response Team was deployed to Waynesboro, TN, to assist the Wayne County Sheriff's Department with a critical hoarding intervention. A total of 85 dogs—including German Shepherds, Labradors and Hound mixes—were discovered in overcrowded and unsanitary conditions on a property owned by an elderly man. The dogs were contained in large pens, chained to posts throughout the yard and found roaming the property. Many suffered from health problems, including mange and heartworm.

"In this hoarding case, a man became overwhelmed by the number of dogs in his care and he needed help," says Kyle Held, the ASPCA's Midwest Regional Director of Field Investigations and Response. "We removed the dogs from his property, are providing them with medical and behavioral evaluations and will ultimately find them loving homes."

Twelve of the rescued dogs have arrived at the ASPCA Bergh Memorial Animal Hospital in New York City, where they are undergoing medical treatment. The remaining dogs were transferred to ASPCA partner agencies, including the Nashville Humane Association and the Atlanta Humane Society.

   
To read the full account of the ASPCA's recent intervention, please visit our Raids and Investigations section. For more information about animal hoarding, see our Hoarding FAQ.

Action Tip: Know someone who's struggling with animal hoarding? Check out our tips on how you can help.

During the early hours of June 24, members of the ASPCA's Field Investigations and Response Team assisted the Elk County Humane Society of St. Mary's, PA, in the rescue of nearly 400 cats from a sanctuary known as the Animal Friends of Elk and Cameron Counties. More than 50 first responders, including staff and volunteers from the American Humane Association, which also provided sheltering services, and PetSmart Charities, which provided much-needed supplies, assisted in the raid.

Joel Lopez, member of the ASPCA Field Investigation and Response Team, checks in on one of the rescued cats.

The cats—including numerous kittens—were found living in deplorable, overcrowded conditions on the first floor of a two-story commercial building about 120 miles northeast of Pittsburgh. The investigation was set into motion after complaints about the facility were received by the Elk County Humane Society, which in turn contacted the ASPCA for assistance.

According to Dr. Melinda Merck, ASPCA Senior Director of Veterinary Forensics, the cats are suffering from a host of ailments, including upper respiratory and eye infections and Feline Leukemia Virus (FeLV). In addition, many cats are expected to test positive for the Feline Immunodeficiency Virus (FIV)—a highly transmittable disease that weakens the immune system and makes cats susceptible to secondary infections. Several of the cats were found in critical condition.

"The overcrowding and unsanitary environment coupled with the stress of coping with untreated illnesses, has resulted in severe conditions for many of these cats," says Dr. Merck. "Every effort is being made to treat them and make them comfortable, and most appear to be friendly and well-socialized."

The cats were placed into the custody of the Elk County Humane Society and transported to an emergency shelter set up in a nearby location. Once there, a team of veterinarians conducted exams on each animal and triaged any immediate needs. The veterinary team led by the ASPCA's Dr. Merck, included Dr. Rhonda Windam, Anti-Cruelty Veterinarian at the ASPCA, Dr. Jason Byrd, Associate Director of the Center for Forensic Medicine at the University of Florida in Gainesville, Dr. Julie Levy, also with the University of Florida, veterinary students from the University of Pennsylvania led by Dr. Michael Moyer and veterinary technicians from the ASPCA.

To aid ASPCA investigators in the collection and management of forensic evidence, the Mobile Animal Crime Scene Investigation (CSI) Unit was deployed to the site. The ASPCA's new custom-designed animal transport trailer, mobile command truck and equipment trailer were also on hand.

"We are grateful to be in a position to provide resources and assistance in this overwhelming situation," says Tim Rickey, ASPCA's Senior Director of Field Investigation and Response. "Right now, our primary concern is to get these animals the care and treatment they so desperately need."

Please stay tuned to the ASPCA Blog for updated information on the St. Mary's case.

The ASPCA is advising pet parents to immediately discontinue the use of Natural Balance Sweet Potato & Chicken Dry Dog Food with the "best by" date of June 17, 2011, in 5- and 28-lb. bags. The manufacturer has announced a voluntary recall due to potential Salmonella contamination. No illnesses have been reported, and the Sweet Potato & Chicken Dry Dog Food with the aforementioned "best by" date is the only product affected. Pet parents should avoid direct contact and wash their hands thoroughly after handling any potentially contaminated food.

While healthy adult dogs are relatively resistant to illness from Salmonella bacteria, pets with health issues, young puppies and elderly or pregnant dogs that may have compromised immune systems may be at greater risk for becoming ill. Dogs who do become ill from Salmonella may exhibit symptoms such as vomiting, diarrhea, fever, lethargy, and drooling or panting—an indication of nausea. In severe cases, the bacterium may spread throughout the body resulting in death.

If you suspect that your pet may have eaten the recalled food, please contact your local veterinarian or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center at (888) 426-4435. For more information on this health alert and the affected brand, please visit the FDA's website.

On June 8, Staten Island, NY, resident Joedennys Malave was arrested and charged with 10 counts of misdemeanor animal cruelty. The 30-year-old is accused of starving his 6-year-old Pit Bull, Beauty, and her nine newborn pups.

The initial investigation began on May 9, when a neighbor reported seeing Malave walking an extremely thin dog outside of his New Brighton home. ASPCA Special Investigator Mark MacDonald responded to the scene, where he discovered 10 severely emaciated dogs living inside a large cage—all were in dire need of medical attention.

The animals were rushed to ASPCA Bergh Memorial Animal Hospital, where three of the nine puppies received immediate intensive intervention. All of the pups required hourly bottle feedings. Veterinarians performed additional tests to determine whether the dogs' condition was due to neglect or illness. The final report concluded that malnourishment was to blame—all muscle and fat had been exhausted.

"Unfortunately, we see far too many Pit Bulls being abused and neglected by their owners," says Stacy Wolf, Vice President and Chief Legal Counsel of the Humane Law Enforcement Department. "Our goal is twofold—holding perpetrators accountable for their cruel and callous acts and, when we can, giving the animal victims a second chance at a better life in a new home."

In tribute to the characters from Disney's Beauty and the Beast, ASPCA hospital staffers named the now-thriving  pups Lefou, Rose, Juliet, Fifi, Belle, Lumiere, Philippe, Chip and Mrs. Potts. The pups will undergo further rehabilitation before being placed up for adoption. Malave is scheduled to be arraigned on July 8.

If you know of an animal whose health is being compromised by neglect or abuse, please report it. Visit our Report Cruelty FAQ to learn how to report cruelty in your neighborhood.

On Friday morning, June 4, the ASPCA proudly unveiled our first-ever Animal Rescue Transport Trailer at a ceremony in New York City’s famed Times Square. The custom-built, two-piece, 60-foot-long vehicle can accommodate up to 60 animals and was designed to increase the ability of our Field Investigations and Response Team to deploy to emergency situations across the country. In addition to animal and equipment transport, the new vehicle will enable technical animal rescue, crime scene investigation, forensic analysis and disaster response functions.

“In the past four months alone, the ASPCA has rescued animals from puppy mills, hoarding situations and Tennessee flood zones,” says Tim Rickey, Senior Director of ASPCA Field Investigations and Response. “In every situation, time was of the essence. Our new vehicle is a vital resource in accelerating our response time, and will allow us to assist more animals who are stranded or in need of temporary shelter. In any of these cases, the ASPCA is ready to respond.”

The Animal Rescue Transport Trailer was made possible with funds generously donated by the Silberstein Foundation of New York and the Grousbeck Family Foundation of California. It will be based in Missouri, where it is headed this week.

Prevention is truly the best medicine—even when it comes to your pet. It’s much riskier (not to mention more expensive!) to treat illnesses than to protect against them. So why not get a jumpstart on your pet’s healthy habits? Watch our new pet care videos for helpful hints on performing basic wellness checks and essential grooming from the comfort of your own home.

The ASPCA’s Dr. Jennifer Lander and a rotating cast of adorable, adoptable cats and dogs star in these useful “how-tos.” Current videos include “Performing a Basic Pet Check”, “Cleaning Your Cat’s Eyes”, “How to Clean Your Dog’s Ears” and a bonus blooper reel!

  
Please note: our advice is not intended to replace regular visits to your veterinarian. More videos will be added regularly, so be sure to bookmark our pet care video webpage and check back every few weeks.

On June 7, the ASPCA announced a $5,000 grant awarded to the equine rescue group Speak Up for Horses. The funding was gifted to assist with the care and placement of 48 severely neglected horses seized by local law authorities during a cruelty raid in Breckenridge County, Kentucky.

In April 2009, authorities discovered 11 dead horses and another 48 starving on a Breckenridge County farm. After the conviction of the farm owner, the horses were slated for auction and possible slaughter. Fortunately, with the support of Breckenridge County Executive Judge Ray Powers, Speak Up for Horses was able to acquire the animals and begin the slow process of rehabilitation. Speak Up for Horses supports the rescue of slaughter-bound horses and partners with a variety of equine organizations to rescue at-risk equines.

“Caring for 48 neglected horses is extremely rewarding, but also challenging,” says Shelly Price, Board Secretary of Speak Up for Horses. “It is imperative for us to give these horses humane care and ensure that they live out their lives in peaceful retirement. Without the ASPCA's support, this would not have been possible.”

Of the original 48 rescued, more than 30 have been placed in new homes, where an additional 10 foals have been born. The remaining 16 horses are currently receiving additional training to increase their opportunities for adoption.

“The sad reality is that abandoned and neglected horses often end up at auctions, or even worse, slaughterhouses, where their lives come to a brutal end,” says Jacque Schultz, Senior Director of Community Initiatives for the ASPCA. “Speak Up for Horses has been instrumental in rescuing at-risk horses while increasing awareness about equine welfare."

For more information, please check out the history of the ASPCA’s horse protection efforts.