Rescued dogs taxing humane society resources

By Katie Brown, Journal Staff Writer | Monday, November 27, 2006

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The more than 150 dogs taken Nov. 21 from a home near Provo are doing well but are putting a strain on resources, a Humane Society of the Black Hills official said Saturday.

Debra Anderson, executive administrative assistant for the Humane Society, said the animals have been tested and treated for medical conditions and injuries.

“Overall, they’re doing well,” Anderson said. “We still need foster homes for many of them.”

The dogs were taken by the Fall River County Sheriff’s Office with cooperation from the Humane Society because of overcrowding. Only five of the dogs lived inside the home, which is owned by a Provo woman. The rest lived in outdoor pens.

The woman had taken abandoned dogs in for years, Fall River County Sheriff Jeff Tarrell said.

The dogs were born and raised outdoors, and Anderson said many had little socialization with people.

“The goal is to get them assimilated with human contact and make them adoptable,” Anderson said.

She said gathering the animals and transporting them to Rapid City went smoothly other than a few dogs biting Humane Society staff members.

“That’s typical for the amount of animals we’re handling,” she said. “None of the bites were serious.”

Anderson said most of the dogs taken in were terrier mixes. The majority are small or medium-size dogs.

Three small litters of puppies have been born since the dogs were taken in. A few more are expected to be born soon.

Most of the dogs had not been spayed or neutered, Anderson said, which contributed to the overpopulation. The dogs will all be spayed or neutered before they are put up for adoption.

“We’ve had a really good public outpouring of support from the community,” Anderson said.

She said there have been many inquiries about adopting the dogs. Donations and inquiries have come from local people and people nationwide who read about the situation on the Internet.

Anderson said the dogs will be put up for adoption after they are trained and Humane Society workers determine how good they will be with people.

“Right now, our main concern is finding them foster homes and getting them trained,” she said.

Anderson said the Humane Society’s main needs are name-brand dry dog food and money for veterinarian bills.

To donate food or money or to inquire about adopting a dog or giving one a temporary foster home, call 394-4170.

Donations can also be dropped off or mailed to 1820 East St. Patrick St., Rapid City, SD 57703.

Contact Katie Brown at 394-8318 or katie.brown@rapidcityjournal.com