A Humane Rescue Alliance investigation into suspected animal cruelty in SE DC led to the rescue of 11 dogs today under a search and seizure warrant obtained by HRA Humane Law Enforcement Officers.
On the property, officers observed a makeshift shelter beneath a tarp and detected a prominent odor of animal waste emanating from it. Inside the structure, officers found 11 dogs cramped in a small cage living in unsafe and unsanitary conditions with no access to food or water. Many of the dogs appeared to have severe untreated medical conditions. The dogs range in age from puppy to adult and vary in breed from French and English bulldog-type to pit bull-type dogs.
“No animal should be forced to live in conditions like we saw today,” said Chris Schindler, vice president of field services at the Humane Rescue Alliance. “These dogs clearly lived a life of neglect for too long, but today is a new day for them. We will provide the animals with desperately-needed medical care, the socialization and affection they deserve, and a clean environment to live in.”
The investigation began following an anonymous tip. The case remains under investigation and the dogs are in the care of HRA at an undisclosed location, where they will be thoroughly examined by a team of veterinarians and receive any necessary immediate medical treatment.