‘No-Kill’ Policies Slowly Killing Animals 2015

When “no-kill” animal shelters and rescue groups are filled to capacity, which is almost always, they are left with two options: turn away more animals than they take in or warehouse animals, often in substandard, filthy, and severely crowded conditions, for weeks, months, or even years on end. Most, if not all, of the animals who are turned away from such facilities still face untimely deaths—just not at these facilities.

Instead they are cruelly killed by people who don’t want them, are dumped on roadsides and left to die from starvation or being hit by a car, or spend their short lives homeless, unwanted, and producing more litters of animals for whom no homes exist.

The lucky ones are taken to well-run open-admission animal shelters, where they either find a well-screened, permanent home or are painlessly euthanized in the arms of professionally trained, compassionate people. Here are some of the “no-kill” animal shelter failures that made headlines in recent years for making animals suffer a fate far worse than a kind death.

Reports Showing How ‘No-Kill’ Policies Harmed Animals in December 2015

Charleston, South Carolina

CountOn2.com reported that authorities seized 108 animals from a self-professed animal “rescue,” possibly doing business as Caradobe Doberman Pinscher Rescue. Seventy-two rabbits, 32 cats, and four dogs were found confined to cages throughout the operator’s home, which was filled with sick and injured animals and piles of feces and had blood-smeared floors. Most of the animals were reportedly malnourished, and some suffered from injuries, neurological problems, and respiratory infections. It was unclear if criminal charges would be pursued.

Ozark, Alabama

DothanFirst.com reported that the “no-kill” Ozark-Dale County Humane Society’s facility had run out of room, was turning away animals in need, and had “several dogs and cats” who had been confined to the facility “for years.”

Bibb County, Georgia

13WMAZ.com reported that authorities had seized 79 dogs and cats from a couple who claimed to be animal “rescuers.” Animals had been found living in deplorable conditions at the couple’s home, which was filled with feces, urine, and trash. 41NBC.com reported that one of the cats who had been seized had to be euthanized as a result of the severity of her condition: She was described as having “pus and mucus coming out of her mouth” because of the long-term exposure to high ammonia levels at the “rescue,” with a body condition score of “less than one” (emaciated). The couple was arrested and charged with felony cruelty to animals.

Plainville, Connecticut

Courant.com reported that authorities had seized 45 animals from a self-professed “rescue” doing business as Almost Home. Veterinarians who examined the animals found that they suffered from numerous medical conditions, including urine-scorched skin, untreated urinary tract infections, untreated wounds, and upper respiratory infections that may have been caused by long-term exposure to urine-soaked living conditions. One cat was suffering from an untreated broken tail, and another was not receiving needed treatment for diabetes. Animals’ fur was caked with feces, and most of them were infested with fleas. Authorities reported that the animals had been kept in a garage and at times had been trapped in soiled cages for more than 20 hours each day.

Cypress, Texas

Click2Houston.com reported that authorities had seized 24 dogs, 15 cats, one turtle, one chipmunk, and three horses from a self-professed animal “rescue” doing business as Noah’s Ark Animal Sanctuary. A dead cat had also been found inside the facility. Officials reported a strong ammonia odor and overflowing litter boxes. An ex-volunteer with the “rescue” described it as an “animal concentration camp,” where animals died “slow painful death[s] of starvation or dehydration.” It was unclear if criminal charges would be pursued.

Adams County, Colorado

KDVR.com reported that authorities had seized 75 dogs from an illegal “rescue” kennel. The animals had been found crowded throughout a residence, with 25 to 30 dogs in one room, approximately 40 dogs in the kitchen, 15 dogs in the garage, and more dogs in the basement. The operator was not facing criminal charges.

West Haven, Connecticut

NBCConnecticut.com reported that a dog had been hit and killed by a car just hours after being turned away from an animal shelter. The dog’s owner had reportedly taken the dog to a shelter and told workers that the dog was aggressive and that she “couldn’t handle [the animal] anymore.” Believing that the dog was not adoptable, the shelter had refused to accept him or her. The animal was found dead in the road later the same day. Police were investigating.

Paxton, Massachusetts

Telegram.com reported that three days before a fire at Sweetpea Friends of Rutland Animals shelter, where dozens of animals were burned alive, state authorities had told operators that the “rescue” was not suitable for the housing and care of animals. Inspection reports published online show that the “rescue” had been warned by state inspectors about fire hazards at the facility as far back as July 2014—and that it had been cited repeatedly for inhumane conditions, including cages crammed with up to four cats, terrified cats housed in the same room as dogs, large dogs spinning in circles from stress-induced psychosis and banging into the walls of kennels far too small for them, animals hoarded for extended periods (months or years), strong odors, dangerous amounts of clutter, and animals attacking one another through fencing. The city suspended the “rescue’s” license pending the creation of new regulations. It was unclear if criminal charges would be pursued.

Adams County, Ohio

WCPO.com reported that authorities had seized 166 animals from Sugar Bear Dog and Cat Rescue, where they had been found in deplorable conditions. TimesGazette.com reported that animals had been found suffering from untreated wounds, broken bones, and severe eye, skin, and ear infections. The home was condemned, and the prosecutor’s office said that it would “definitely” pursue criminal charges against the “rescue’s” operators.

Hodgenville, Kentucky

DailyJournal.net reported that the owner of a self-professed animal “rescue” doing business as Sassy Ann’s Special Needs Sanctuary was charged with cruelty to animals. The “rescue’s” operator said that she acquired animals from animal shelters that couldn’t find homes for them. LaRueCountyHerald.com reported that authorities seized 60 animals from the home, which was covered in animal feces and urine, including two dogs who were “in very poor condition” and suffered from hair loss, open sores, malnutrition, and a severe flea infestation. The operator was charged with 60 counts of second-degree cruelty to animals and one count of harboring a vicious animal.

Hunterdon County, New Jersey

LehighValleyLive.com reported that the owner and operator of Catnip Friends Rescue had been charged with two counts of cruelty to animals for causing the death of a dog in her custody after failing to provide him with needed veterinary care. After being purchased for $500, the dog had reportedly been returned to the “rescue” because of an illness. He had not been provided with veterinary care and had died the next day.

Brownsville, Texas

ValleyMorningStar.com reported that the founder of Brownsville PAWS, a self-professed animal “rescue” group, had been cited for inhumane treatment and risking the safety of an animal in a motor vehicle after leaving two dogs unattended in his vehicle. The high temperature outdoors on the day of the incident was reportedly 83 degrees. A court date had been set.

Beckley, West Virginia

Register-Herald.com reported that the Humane Society of Raleigh County, a “no-kill” shelter, was not accepting any animals and was cutting hours because its kennels were full and its veterinary bills were “ever-increasing.”

Laurel County, Kentucky

LEX18.com reported that a self-professed animal “rescue” doing business as Homeward Bound Rescue had been raided for “hoarding, neglecting and abusing over 100 dogs.” A total of 178 animals were seized after being found in “deplorable” conditions, and the “rescue’s” director was arrested and charged with second-degree animal abuse. Some of the animals had developed sores from lying in feces and had wounds from fighting. According to TheNewsJournal.net, a state police trooper described conditions as “one of the worst cases of animal abuse” he had seen in 30 years of law enforcement. Knox-Whitley Animal Shelter said that it had “regularly” given animals to the raided “rescue.”

Tularosa, New Mexico

KRQE.com reported that authorities were investigating after finding dead and injured animals “all over the property”—including 10 dead dogs and a dead cat confined to plastic crates—at a self-professed animal “rescue” doing business as Animal Rescue K-9 and Feline of Tularosa. CBS4Local.com reported that the “rescue” was an approved partner of the city of El Paso, Texas, which had recently transferred approximately 32 animals to the property. Representatives with the city of El Paso were trying to find out what happened to the animals they gave to the group and recognized that “it is possible some of the city’s animals died at the rescue.”

Reports Showing How ‘No-Kill’ Policies Harmed Animals in November 2015

West Seneca, New York

WIVB.com reported that the operator of Bob the Cat Animal Rescue was facing criminal charges after authorities seized more than 50 cats hoarded by the “rescue.” Cats were found suffering from severe upper respiratory infections, ringworm, and conjunctivitis—among other illnesses. Local shelter officials reported having had “run-ins” with the “rescuer” for more than a decade, requiring the SPCA to intervene and care for more than 500 cats belonging to the group.

Somerset, Virginia

DailyProgress.com reported that the operator of a self-professed animal “rescue” called Peaceable Farm, Inc., was out on bond after being charged with 27 counts of cruelty to animals. The charges were filed after authorities removed 116 animals from the property of the “rescue,” several of whom needed immediate veterinary care. Authorities also found dead animals—including six horses, a donkey, and many dogs, cats, and chickens—at the property, described by a sheriff’s deputy as “one of the most horrendous sights that I have seen in my 28 years of law enforcement.”

Crystal Lake, Illinois

ChicagoTribune.com reported that the teenage son of a licensed animal “rescue” operator killed a kitten and threatened to kill another during an argument that he was having with his sister over a bong. A necropsy revealed that the kitten died from head trauma while in the custody of Saving All Our Angels animal “rescue,” run out of the boy’s home. He was charged with felony aggravated cruelty to animals and criminal damage to a domesticated animal, and he remained in jail awaiting a court date.

Reports Showing How ‘No-Kill’ Policies Harmed Animals in October 2015

Wolcott, Connecticut

FOX61.com reported that the operator of Egyptian Cat Rescue could face criminal charges after authorities seized 59 cats and two dogs hoarded at the property, most of whom were underweight and suffering from dehydration, eye infections, and upper respiratory conditions. Cat urine and feces could be smelled from outside the house because of excrement covering the walls and floors inside.

Jacksonville, Florida

Jacksonville.com reported that a temporary director would oversee the city’s animal care and protective services department. The previous director resigned during an investigation into allegations that she and the shelter’s manager falsified reports and turned away animals in order to maintain the shelter’s “no-kill” status.

Nassau County, Florida

ActionNewsJax.com reported that a woman running a self-described animal “rescue” out of a rental home without the permission of the homeowner was accused of causing at least $10,000 in damages, including a carpet soaked in urine, baseboards chewed by dogs, and doors scratched by animals trying to get out.

Savannah, Tennessee

TheDodo.com reported that authorities removed 82 dogs found hoarded in crates, travel carriers, a garage, and even bathtubs at a licensed animal shelter, identified elsewhere as K-9 Sanctuary. Some cages housing dogs were found rusted shut, and animals removed were reportedly “terrified of the daylight and the fresh air because they probably hadn’t seen it in some time,” according to an official. Two dogs required emergency surgery upon removal. Criminal charges were not filed because the animals were voluntarily surrendered.

Cornelius, North Carolina

TWCNews.com reported that a woman was arrested and charged with more than a dozen counts of cruelty to animals after allegedly poisoning 14 cats in her custody and then stuffing their bodies in a suitcase, which was left near a dumpster. The suspect told authorities that she killed the cats after trying to take them to a “no-kill” shelter that refused to accept them. The facility in question was not identified.

Staten Island, New York

SILive.com reported that authorities seized three dogs who were found starving in small crates at Cascio Canines animal “rescue.” The dogs, none of whom were reportedly underweight when handed over to the “rescue,” were found with their “bones … protruding from their skin, and their bodies … stained with urine and feces.” Cascio Canines reportedly claimed to board dogs who were “taken from city shelters by rescue organizations,” and its operator asserted that “[a]s long as they can stand up and turn around, that’s all the space I need to give them.” She was charged with three counts of torturing and injuring animals.

Noble, Oklahoma

NormanTranscript.com reported that a woman was being sought by authorities on criminal charges of cruelty to animals after two dogs were found decomposing at a property she leased to operate as a foster home for an animal “rescue” group called Unchain. The dogs allegedly died after being denied adequate shelter, food, and water. One was found crammed in a homemade kennel, while the other was tethered by a thin leash. The tethered dog’s leash was tangled, limiting the animal’s movement, and there were no signs that the animals were provided with food or water.

Reports Showing How ‘No-Kill’ Policies Harmed Animals in September 2015

Winchester, Virginia

Your4State.com reported that the operator of Pound Puppies Dream Big Sanctuary in West Virginia faced 12 criminal charges for importing puppies into Virginia without legally required veterinary inspections. Two puppies adopted in Virginia from the “sanctuary” were diagnosed with the highly contagious parvovirus after becoming seriously ill and being taken by adopters to emergency animal hospitals, where they both had to be euthanized.

Bonita Springs, Florida

WINKNews.com reported that authorities had to wear hazmat suits to seize 136 cats and three dogs from the home of a self-professed animal “rescuer” doing business as Halfway Home Animal Shelter and Rescue. Cats, nine of whom were found dead, were reportedly found hiding in drawers, cabinets, closets, and couches. The floors of the home—which was condemned—were drenched in urine and covered with garbage and feces as high as 2 feet in some places. The smell of ammonia from the urine inside the home was so overpowering that authorities had to wear masks in order to breathe. The case was under investigation.

Warwick, Rhode Island

WJAR reported that authorities seized 11 dogs from the operator of a self-professed animal “rescue” group doing business as Pit Bulls for PTSD, which kept them in “squalid” conditions. Two of the dogs required emergency veterinary care, and the home was condemned. ProvidenceJournal.com reported that the operator was charged with cruelty to animals for failing to provide adequate living conditions and medical care and with mistreatment of animals for failing to provide adequate water.

Reports Showing How ‘No-Kill’ Policies Harmed Animals in August 2015

Port Charlotte, Florida

WINKNews.com reported that the president of Every Creature’s Salvation animal “rescue” was charged with criminal cruelty to animals and animal abandonment after a dog in her custody was found “emaciated and malnourished.” The dog was reportedly so weak that she had difficulty walking.

Balch Springs, Texas

DallasNews.com reported that authorities seized 107 cats (five of whom had already died), 40 dogs, three doves, two chickens, a finch, a parakeet who had died, and a guinea pig from the home of a woman who “was part of an individual animal rescue group.” Dozens more animals were found dead on the property, and necropsies reportedly determined that at least some of them died as a result of neglect. Many animals were found in urine- and feces-soaked cages and crates, were crawling with fleas and ticks, and suffered from eye and ear discharge, hair loss, matted fur, and overgrown toenails. Others were emaciated, and one was missing an eye.

Victor Township, Michigan

LansingStateJournal.com reported that charges would not be filed against a man who had abandoned four dogs, three of whom were hit and killed by cars, because he had first tried to surrender the dogs to three animal shelters, which refused to accept them. The fourth dog reportedly “suffered trauma” but had been adopted and was recovering.

Ontario, Canada

Nugget.ca reported that authorities seized 71 dogs from a self-professed animal “rescue” doing business as Laika Fund for Street Dogs—they were found in conditions described as “very crowded” and “unsanitary.” Many had no access to food or water. A donkey and goat were also found standing in feces nearly 2 feet deep in a small outbuilding. Miniature horses described as “fearful” and “underweight” were also found. According to an investigator, “[Y]ou were able to see their hip bones, the spines and a number of them had their ribs visible.” Dogs and birds were found in “very dirty and unsanitary” cages that lined a wall of the home. Caged dogs were observed “shaking, trembling and hiding,” and ammonia levels were a danger to both animals and humans. The cages confining birds had apparently not been cleaned for least a month. A hearing was scheduled before the local Animal Care Review Board.

Pulaski Township, Pennsylvania

NCNewsOnline.com reported that authorities seized 13 dogs from a woman described as “a well-known volunteer for local animal rescue organizations” and charged her with criminal cruelty to animals after the animals were found living in “deplorable conditions.” Despite being warned not to, a “rescue” group in Ohio reportedly gave the “rescuer” another dog after she had been charged with cruelty to animals. That dog, as well as a dog who had produced at least two litters of puppies at the property, was among those seized. This was reportedly the second time that the “rescuer” had been charged—she faced criminal charges the previous year after one dead and two emaciated horses were found in a barn at her property.

Henryville, Pennsylvania

KOLOTV.com reported that authorities removed 122 cats from a “squalid” home, where they were found in “filthy, flea-infested conditions,” some suffering as a result of untreated injuries. The homeowners said they were planning to open an animal “sanctuary.” The cats were surrendered to authorities.

Rapid City, South Dakota

KOTATV.com reported that 36 rabbits, dogs, and goats were seized from the home of a self-professed animal “rescuer” doing business as Carmine’s Academy Rescue, where they were found emaciated, without access to food or water, and in filthy conditions. The “rescuer” pleaded guilty to failure to remove a public nuisance after notice and was ordered by a judge to stop working with animal shelters and operating a “rescue.”

Monroe County, Ohio

TodeloBlade.com reported that because of the county animal control shelter’s “no-kill” policies, it was turning away all animals whose owners couldn’t or wouldn’t provide them with care any longer. The policies had reportedly led animals to stay at the shelter for a longer time and more animals to be given up by their owners.

Akron, Ohio

Cleveland.com reported that a self-professed animal “rescuer” was charged with four counts of criminal cruelty to animals after authorities found at least 12 cats dead from starvation, dogs and guinea pigs confined to cages without access to food or water, and animals caged throughout the feces-covered home, which was condemned. Neighbors reportedly told police that the “rescuer” buried other animals in the backyard. More charges were being considered.

Reports Showing How ‘No-Kill’ Policies Harmed Animals in July 2015

Warrick County, Indiana

CourierPress.com reported that two women who ran Bullie Nation Rescue were facing 11 counts of cruelty to animals after authorities found five dogs at the residence of one of the operators, at least three of whom were underfed. Officials visited the residence after two “severely underfed” dogs who came from the “rescue” were surrendered to a local animal shelter and two more were surrendered to another local shelter. One of the perpetrators reportedly told investigators that the dogs in her custody were malnourished because she couldn’t afford to buy food for them and that she had closed the “rescue” and felt that she was no longer responsible for the animals’ needs.

Waxahachie, Texas

NBCDFW.com reported that the operator of a dog-training facility and self-professed animal “rescuer” was charged with cruelty to animals after authorities removed 20 dead animals as well as 69 dogs, three cats, and one macaw from the property. Many of the animals were confined to cages, and several were reportedly covered with fleas, had overgrown nails, and were malnourished and emaciated.

Stratford, Connecticut

CTPost.com reported that the owner of the Alabama-based Southern Dogs Rescue was arrested and charged with cruelty to animals after she was found hauling an unventilated box trailer loaded with nearly 30 dogs. Inside the stifling trailer, authorities found crates stacked on top of each other containing panting, distressed dogs. The dogs were taken to veterinary hospitals for treatment. At the time of her arrest, the “rescuer” was reportedly on probation after being convicted of 25 counts of cruelty to animals. An Alabama court had ordered her to get out of the animal-rescue business.

Ossipee, New Hampshire

NH1.com reported that more than 50 animals were seized after being found in deplorable conditions at an animal boarding and grooming business that also operated as a “rescue.” Dogs were reportedly found “packed into small crates” and covered with excrement in what one responder described as an “Auschwitz for dogs.” Authorities were reportedly considering filing criminal charges against the owner.

Reports Showing How ‘No-Kill’ Policies Harmed Animals in June 2015

Pope County, Arkansas

LocalMemphis.com reported that the operator of I Love Lucy Pet Rescue was arrested on suspicion of having sex with dogs in his custody. One dog was taken to a local animal shelter, but it wasn’t reported if other animals were found at the property. An investigation was ongoing.

Kingston Township, Pennsylvania

CitizensVoice.com reported that the operator of A Positive Promise Pit Bill Foundation was convicted of two counts of cruelty to animals after authorities found two emaciated dogs living amid feces and urine at the property. The dogs were taken to two area animal shelters, and one was reportedly put up for adoption.

Wyoming, Minnesota

KSTP.com reported that a man was accused of throwing a dog out of his car window. A police investigation reportedly revealed that the man had tried to surrender the dog to a local animal shelter but was turned away. He claimed to have also tried to give the dog away on Craigslist. When he had no luck, he threw the dog from the car. He was issued a citation for animal neglect. The dog wasn’t injured and was taken to a shelter that would accept the animal.

Vernon Parish, Louisiana

TheTownTalk.com reported that the operators of an animal “rescue” group were arrested and charged with cruelty to animals after authorities found malnourished and dead animals at their residence. According to the report, “none of the animals on the property had adequate food or water.” The animals were all removed.

Charleston, West Virginia

WSAZ.com reported that 22 cats were seized from Karen and Friends animal “rescue” after they were found hoarded in “deplorable conditions” in a home with no electricity or running water. One of the cats was dead, and officials were searching for two additional animals. Investigators reportedly found no food, water, or clean litterboxes in the home. The cats were described as “all in poor health,” and some were suffering from ringworm and giardiasis. Criminal charges were being considered.

Dumont, New Jersey

CliffViewPilot.com reported that the operator of Pit Bull Kisses Rescue was charged with 26 counts of cruelty to animals after authorities found dead animals in a house with live dogs and a “starved cat” and dogs chained in the yard without adequate shelter. Surviving animals were reportedly “extremely thin,” and conditions in the house were described as “horrid.” All the animals were removed.

Blacklick, Ohio

NewarkAdvocate.com reported that the co-director of One Mission Dog Rescue was charged with cruelty to animals after authorities removed 62 animals found hoarded at the property without access to water. Seven of the animals died after they were removed, six from the highly contagious and deadly parvovirus. Nearly all the dogs were reportedly imported by One Mission Dog Rescue from West Virginia, Kentucky, or a neighboring county.

Reports Showing How ‘No-Kill’ Policies Harmed Animals in May 2015

Hillsboro, Oregon

KOMONews.com reported that nine cats burned alive in a garage where they were confined at Felines First Rescue. Seven of them had reportedly been transported to the “rescue” from a shelter in California to “save” them from euthanasia. Investigators reported that the fire’s cause was “electrical in nature” but were still working to pinpoint how it started.

Fruitport, Michigan

GrandHavenTribune.com reported that operations were shut down and police were considering criminal charges against the operator of Christine’s Critter Cafe animal “rescue” after authorities found thousands of animals hoarded at the property, including dogs, cats, and domestic rats. Investigators found drywall soaked with urine and feces and live animals feeding on dead ones. The home was condemned. FOX17Online.com reported that all the animals were being removed and placed in shelters and foster homes.

Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania

WPXI.com reported that police arrested a woman who worked with “several rescues in the Pittsburgh area” and charged her with cruelty to animals after finding a starving dog and five dead dogs apparently abandoned at her property. The animals were believed to have been abandoned at the woman’s home for weeks. The surviving dog was being treated at the Animal Rescue League Shelter & Wildlife Center.

Milton, Georgia

WSBTV.com reported that the operator of Georgia Poodle Rescue had received 26 citations because of unsanitary conditions inside a garage where dogs were kept confined. The operator was also charged with theft for failing to return a dog after an owner came forward.

Apple Valley, California

VVDailyPress.com reported that authorities removed 12 starving dogs from the residence of a woman who claimed to be a “transporter” and “foster home” for animal-rescue organizations. After their removal, one of the dogs reportedly died on the way to a veterinary hospital and two had to be euthanized “due to illness caused by starvation.” Authorities also reportedly found a dead dog in a trash can on the property. The remaining nine dogs were being cared for, and criminal charges were being considered.

Reports Showing How ‘No-Kill’ Policies Harmed Animals in April 2015

Orange City, Florida

News-JournalOnline.com reported that a man was charged with felony cruelty to animals after police determined that he had abandoned a dog behind a building. The dog was left inside a crate without access to food or water and went unnoticed for weeks. A good Samaritan took the dog to an animal hospital, and the animal’s owner was found. The owner told police that he had taken the dog to a local animal shelter but couldn’t afford the $20 fee charged to accept the animal. He then left the dog next to a dumpster behind a building, where the animal was exposed to the elements, developed a skin condition, and was found suffering from internal parasites and infections in both eyes, resulting in complete blindness in one eye and permanent damage to the other. The dog was being treated.

Dayton, Ohio

MINBCNews.com reported that a humane society removed 62 dogs from a so-called “rescue group” run by a woman who apparently imported the animals from animal shelters in West Virginia and Kentucky. NewarkAdvocate.com reported that the dogs were signed over to the humane society during an investigation into allegations that the animals were running in the road and lacked access to water. Veterinary examinations revealed that the animals were infested with internal parasites and some were infected with parvovirus. At least five puppies died from disease shortly after they were removed from the “rescue.” Criminal charges were reportedly being considered.t.

Eden, Vermont

StoweToday.com reported that a self-professed “dog rescuer” had been charged with multiple counts of cruelty to animals after authorities removed approximately 100 dogs from her property, where they were confined in “appalling conditions—locked in cages without access to food or clean water, lying in their own feces, many with festering wounds resembling bed sores.” The report stated that the city’s animal control officer was removed from office after it came to light that he acted as vice president of the woman’s “rescue organization,” which he called “Bark Rescue.”

Reports Showing How ‘No-Kill’ Policies Harmed Animals in March 2015

Anderson County, South Carolina

WYFF4.com reported that the operator of Golden S Rescue was charged with 60 counts of ill treatment of animals after authorities seized 60 animals, including dogs and cats, from her property. Some of the animals were in need of veterinary attention, some were confined without access to water, and some appeared underweight. According to the report, in February 2014 the operator was arrested twice on similar charges, once when 11 dogs were found critically ill and had to be seized and two weeks later when more than 100 animals needed to be removed from the “rescue’s” property. In September 2014, the operator was convicted of maltreatment of animals.

Columbia County, Georgia

WJBF.com reported that Lucky Dog Rescue was under investigation after authorities visited the operator’s home, which was full of urine, feces, and mold, and found many dogs living in crates only big enough for them to turn around and lie down. Officers reportedly counted 22 animals in the home, most of whom were aggressive, and issued 22 citations to the “rescue’s” operator. Other groups were trying to obtain some of the animals from the operator, and authorities planned to re-inspect the property.

Jacksonville, Florida

News4Jax.com reported that approximately 83 dogs had been removed from Dogs Deserve Life Rescue. City officials were reportedly evaluating the health of the dogs, some of whom were found in two warehouses. The case was under investigation, and it was not reported if charges would be pursued.

Middleburg, Florida

ActionNewsJax.com reported that the operator of Kim’s Itty Bitty Babies animal “rescue” surrendered 12 dogs to the Clay County Animal Care & Control and told officials that she planned to stop operating after three dogs in her custody had contracted parvovirus. According to the report, multiple complaints had previously been filed against the “rescue’s” operator, her boyfriend, and the rescue itself, which has hoarded as many as 86 animals at one time at the residential property.

Floyd County, Georgia

NorthwestGeorgiaNews.com reported that the operations manager of the Rome-Floyd Humane Society was cited with 57 counts of cruelty to animals and unsanitary conditions after authorities found 55 to 65 dogs and cats living in “unacceptable” conditions at his home. Some animals recently obtained from the county’s animal control shelter were found suffering from upper respiratory problems. Officials removed 29 animals, and a magistrate hearing has been scheduled.

Olive Branch, Mississippi

WMCActionNews5.com reported that two members of New Beginnings Animal Rescue were charged with cruelty to animals after a fire killed 60 cats and a dog hoarded in the home. Fire investigators told the outlet that they believe a cat walking on the stove had managed to turn it on, which eventually caught the kitchen on fire. The home was described as “a hoarding house filled with clutter and feces.”

Deer Park, New York

Newsday.com reported that after an elderly dog was turned away from two animal shelters that said they were full, a woman abandoned the dog on the street. A good Samaritan found the dog, who was injured, and took him to an animal hospital, where a toe had to be amputated. A microchip in the animal led authorities to the owner who had abandoned him. The dog was undergoing treatment at the hospital, and the owner was charged with a misdemeanor.

Albuquerque, New Mexico

ABQJournal.com reported that a complaint had been filed with the city’s Office of Inspector General by the Animal Welfare Department’s second-in-command and its behavior specialist, the latter of whom recently resigned “out of frustration and alarm for the community.” The complaint alleges that in its push to make the city’s animal shelter “no-kill,” the shelter had released more than 100 dogs who failed “nationally recognized standardized tests that showed the animals had dangerous tendencies.” Some of the animals went on to kill and maim other animal companions, bite children, and attack their handlers.

Parkersburg, West Virginia

WVGazette.com reported that the operator of Ellen’s Rescue was charged with cruelty to animals after authorities removed approximately 50 dogs and cats from her residence. The home’s subfloor was soaked with urine and covered with feces, and two of the dogs needed emergency treatment—one for a broken jaw and one for a severe skin condition. Most of the dogs were also matted and filthy, and several had sores and eye and ear conditions.

St. Petersburg, Florida

TBO.com reported that the operators of All Creatures Great and Small Wildlife Inc. were facing cruelty-to-animals charges after authorities removed 23 adult dogs, 14 puppies, 14 cats, five raccoons, several ducks, an opossum, a rabbit, and a pigeon from the residence, where they were found in unsanitary conditions without food or drinkable water and surrounded by feces. TampaBay.com reported that Hillsborough County Animal Services had recently transferred 49 animals to the group and sent 21 additional dogs and cats to the group for foster care.

Reports Showing How ‘No-Kill’ Policies Harmed Animals in February 2015

Auburn, Alabama

OANow.com reported that the owner of Southern Dogs Rescue was convicted of five counts of second-degree cruelty to animals after authorities found approximately 20 malnourished, starving dogs on her property. The animals were reportedly confined to outdoor kennels filled with feces and mud. They didn’t have any food, and the water available to them was “stagnant and green or black in color.” A veterinarian who treated six of the dogs told ThePlainsman.com that the animals weighed approximately half of their normal body weight and that one of the dogs died shortly after being removed because he or she didn’t respond to treatmen

Mountain View, Arkansas

BaxterBulletin.com reported that nearly 100 dogs had been removed from a “self-described ‘no-kill’ dog rescue” called Innocent Hearts Animal Rescue following an investigation by the local sheriff’s office. The “rescue” reportedly acknowledged that it lacked needed resources to care for the dogs, who were kept in kennels and outdoor pens and who ranged in age from 2-days to 10-years-old. Many of the dogs had not been sterilized and some were pregnant. The dogs were voluntarily surrendered.

Phoenix, Arizona

ABC15.com reported that former volunteers at a self-described “no-kill” animal “rescue” called Woofs, Wiggles, n Wags alleged that “inattention, overcrowding and filthy conditions” at the “rescue” had led to the death of at least one animal. A kitten was allegedly found by a volunteer hanging dead from a cage after his or her foot became tangled in the cage’s wires, and accusers claimed that animals were left alone in cramped, dirty cages for up to 22 hours a day. Local businesses had also reportedly complained about a strong odor of urine and feces from the “rescue’s” strip mall location seeping into their shops. It was not reported if an official investigation into the allegations had been undertaken.

Winter Haven, Florida

TheLedger.com reported that the operator of the Polk County Cat Coalition was facing 32 criminal charges after authorities removed 91 cats, two caged dogs, and a pig hoarded at her property. The charges were reportedly in relation to 32 of the cats, who were so sick that they had to be euthanized. Animal control workers reportedly had to wear facemasks during the raid because of the overwhelming stench of urine in the home. A later report revealed that the operator was convicted of five misdemeanor charges of confining animals without sufficient food, water or exercise.

Cleveland, Ohio

Cleveland.com reported that more than sixty percent of 145 cats removed by authorities from The Cat Crossing, a self-professed “no-kill cat sanctuary,” were ill. Sixteen percent were reportedly infected with feline leukemia or feline immunodeficiency virus, more than a third were being treated for respiratory infections, many had severe dental disease, and others were being treated for wounds, ear infections, diarrhea or skin problems, according to authorities. ClevelandScene.com reported that the animals were seized after authorities executed a search warrant citing “overcrowded conditions among a heavy accumulation of feces and urine,” poor air quality and rampant highly contagious diseases. The animals were reportedly receiving appropriate care and being held as evidence pending a court hearing.

Reports Showing How ‘No-Kill’ Policies Harmed Animals in January 2015

Chartiers Township, Pennsylvania

Observer-Reporter.com reported that a so-called “no-kill shelter and sanctuary” called Angel Ridge Animal Rescue and its owner were cited for failing to keep kennels in a sanitary and humane condition in regard to temperatures and “pests,” keep necessary records, produce a bill of sale for a dog, and for dealing with an unlicensed out-of-state dealer. The citations were reportedly issued after the local dog warden responded to a complaint about conditions at the facility.

Niagara, New York

BuffaloNews.com reported that approximately 35 cats and dogs were removed by authorities after they were found hoarded at the residential property of the executive director of the “no-kill” group, Eastern Niagara Animal Welfare Alliance. Many of the cats were reportedly suffering from upper respiratory infections and dehydration and a small dog had wounds apparently sustained during a dog attack. An official called it, “a clear case of animal hoarding.”

San Antonio, Texas

MySanAntonio.com reported that a spokesperson for the city’s Animal Care Services told the outlet that a man threw a young Chihuahua from a car and sped away after becoming upset that the shelter “wouldn’t immediately take his dog.” Staff members reportedly found the dog and took him inside.

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