The dog warden and investigators visited the property Tuesday and said they found over 120 dogs living in inadequate conditions and two that were deceased. Pictures and video were taken at that type, officials said.
However, after the warrant was served Thursday, only 94 dogs were documented. Sheriff Ron Ward said he believes many dogs, including those deceased, were removed from the property after Tuesday's visit.
According to public records, Cares About Life Rescue, Inc. is under the direction of Deb Rodgers, and Ward said he anticipates charging her with multiple counts of animal cruelty and failure to properly tag dogs. He expects Rodgers to be ordered to appear in Hillsboro Municipal Court at 8 a.m. Friday morning.
Deputies, detectives and volunteers slowly made their way through the kenneled areas Thursday, numbering and documenting each dog. Ward said they finished work at the property around 4 p.m.
Eventually, 15 dogs were removed, either for health reasons or inadequate living areas.
As for the remaining 79 dogs, Ward said they would be looking for direction from the court as to how to proceed, but that they would like to "try to assure (she) doesn't have possession of animals in the future."
The rescue director may be well-intentioned, Ward said, but did not appear able to properly care for so many dogs.
Ward initially asked the public for help in finding foster homes for any dogs needing removed. A few foster spots have been found, but the rest of the dogs took up any open kennels at the dog pound, volunteers said. Anyone interested in helping make space at the pound by fostering a dog can call the pound at 937-393-8191 and leave a message.
"We appreciate the efforts of the dog pound and humane society staff, volunteers, and the people who've already called offering to help," Ward said. "It was a cooperative effort that went into this. It's a very difficult case."
(Times Gazette - April 18, 2013)
Related:
