Sixty-six Shar-Pei breed dogs from 1 to 13 years old were turned over to the Doc Williams SPCA, putting the nonprofit “well over capacity,” according to Marcia Atkinson, executive director of the shelter.
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| Four-year-old Bling is one of 66 Shar-Pei dogs that were surrendered by a breeder to the Doc Williams SPCA. |
“We have animals in portable kennels and are doubling and tripling housing throughout the shelter in order to accommodate the additional 66,” she said Thursday.
All of the dogs were bred for resale by a local breeder.
“For whatever reason, instead of selling the puppies, they ended up keeping many of the dogs on the premises,” Atkinson said. “This is truly a case of someone starting out doing something good and it getting out of control.”
She said there needs to be more regulation of backyard breeders in South Carolina.
While none of the dogs appear to be malnourished, all lack basic veterinary care, and a large number suffer from inherited traits that result in hearing loss and blindness when left unchecked, she said.
The distinctive wrinkles of skin can grow faster than the skull and cover the eye, which can require surgery.
Shelter veterinary surgeons will be providing this surgery on Wednesday to prepare the dogs for adoption.
All dogs will be spayed or neutered, up to date on shots and micro-chipped. Foster homes are needed for several older dogs needing more extensive care.
In addition to adopters, the shelter needs immediate volunteer help and additional donations to deal with the influx, Atkinson said.
Donations to defray the treatment costs may be made at docwilliamsspca.org. To volunteer or foster, there are applications on the website.
Eight of the dogs are already available for adoption and may be seen at 502 Cypress Gardens Road, Moncks Corner, from noon to 6 p.m.
(Charleston Post Courier - Feb 12, 2015)
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