Now the Wyoming County Animal Shelter needs help caring for the 44 rescued animals as investigators look for the person or persons that left them behind.
The dogs were found at the end of someone's driveway on a remote road. Many of the Chihuahuas and Jack Russell Terriers are in poor health. All 44 of them had been crammed into three small crates, each crate meant to only hold one dog, and the animals were covered with filth and feces. One of the dogs was dead.
Dog groomer Amy Worthington. "When you go traveling on a plane, a dog would be using that. Not to be... I just get sick thinking about it."
Many of the dogs are now receiving what is most likely their first ever bath. They shake with fear, lying cuddled together in the corner in tiny dog piles.
Kara Cavaretta said, "You can tell they don't like human contact. They won't wag their tail or come up to the cage or anything."
Animal control officer Justa Goodell routinely needs to put animals down as part of her job. But it's a case like this that really stokes emotion.
"Their innocence. Their lack of being able to get out of their own urine. Their lack of being able to stand upright. Their lack of being able to say, 'I don't feel good. I need a doctor.' They're innocent animals. It's just not fair," she said.
But the community is coming together to make sure these dogs get a fair chance for a better life. Donations have poured in to help care for the dogs, including soft food, dog shampoo, bleach, and of course, money.
But the shelter is still in need. If you'd like to help, contact the shelter at 4380 Rt. 19 in Silver Springs by calling 585-786-8938.
(WIVB - April 30, 2013)
