19 dogs rescued from filthy situation

AUSTIN (KXAN) - The Austin Humane Society rescued 19 dogs on Tuesday from a home in rural Central Texas as part of an investigation under way by law enforcement officials and the Humane Society of the United States.

The exact location where the animal seizure took place cannot be released until a hearing scheduled on Nov. 14 takes place, information kept private due to the nature of the investigation, according to Kelly Hanes, spokesman for AHS.

Hanes said AHS was given a few days' notice by the investigators, who needed to know if Austin Humane Society was prepared to take in the 19 animals.

"That is what we do," said Hanes. "We are prepared at all times because we are a disaster rescue force. We were the group that helped last year with the burned animals during the Bastrop fire."

Hanes said a seizure warrant was served on a woman who was at the property, and AHS staff went into the home and removed the animals. He could not say whether there were other people on the property at the time law enforcement officials served the warrant.

Rescuers found the dogs living in filth, without proper care, in overcrowded conditions.

The dogs will be cared for and medical needs attended to, Hanes said. The animals will be not available for adoption unless the judge at next week's hearing orders them to be permanently taken from the owner or owners.

“It’s heartbreaking to see animals in that situation, and we are committed to providing the care and treatment they need to find safe, healthy homes,” said Frances Jonon, AHS executive director in a released statement. “Our veterinarians are keeping close watch over the animals, and after just one day, we’re already seeing improvement.”

The breeds include ShihTzu, Papillon, Maltese, Poodle, Chihuahua, Dachshund and Schnauzer, and range in weight from four to 14 pounds. Many suffer from neglect, tooth decay, Demodex, skin lesions, ear infections, flea infestations and other medical conditions, but they are expected to make a full recovery.

“Animal hoarding is a disease and an important issue in our communities,” says Jonon. “It happens more often than you think. If you suspect a problem, we encourage you to report it to your local law enforcement authorities. Animals need us to watch out for them and be their voice.”