Humane society halts intake after seizure of nearly 30 dogs
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COLUMBIANA -- The Humane Society of Columbiana County is at capacity and cannot take anymore animals for the time being.
On Thursday, Chief Humane Officer Fabian Pike posted to the organization's Facebook page that the intake is temporarily closed until some animals can be placed in their forever homes.
"Please consider adopting from us," he said.
He explained that earlier in the day the Humane Society was contacted by Columbiana Police Chief Mark Edwards requesting assistance for a home that contained animals.
"While he knew that dogs were present, he was unsure of the total count," Fabian said.
When Fabian arrived at the location around 11 a.m. both utility departments were present on the scene as well.
"As I approached the front door, I was hit with a smell that made my eyes water. I knocked on the door but received no answer; however, several dogs began to bark. (Columbiana) Officer Ben Esposito, Detective Richard Whitfield, and I had a clear line of sight to four dogs that were outside in a separate housing area. Detective Whitfield and I approached the rear area and confirmed four animals in the pen," Fabian said.
He went on to say that he contacted the homeowner--whom he declined to identify until the court hearing--and proceeded into the home, which he described as one of the top three in what he calls the "Horrible Homes Edition" of the Humane Crime Unit.
Once inside they discovered 25 to 30 dogs, he said.
"This situation can cripple a humane society, as the other 13 calls for assistance we have must be put on hold because we no longer have the capacity to house any more animals," he explained in the social media post.
He added that the financial burden of caring for 25 additional animals is "staggering" and went on to say that making the owner pay often times isn't as easy as it sounds.
"I ask you to pause for a moment, set aside your anger, and consider this one question: If the owner was living in such conditions, what makes you think they can afford to support that many animals? Hence the reason for the seizure. When we are able to get the owners to pay, it's usually only between $35 and $50 a month until their debt is settled. However, this doesn't prevent us from incurring expenses of up to $5,000 just for spaying and neutering the animals," he said.
Furthermore, he added that testing and necessary vaccines can cost upwards of $2,000 combined and flea and tick treatment for all animals cost $500, and that doesn't include any additional treatment that may be required.
"I want to reach out to everyone who may have animals living in poor conditions. This is never acceptable...These are living creatures that can't pick up the phone when they are thirsty, hungry, or injured. It is your responsibility, not anyone else's. Please take the time to care; it only takes a minute. If you're wondering whether I'm upset, the answer is yes," Fabian said.
Also in the social media post Fabian said that staff and board members work day and night to manage the overwhelming number of animals
"feel very fortunate to have such a dedicated team of individuals who care so much," he said.
He also wished to thank Chief Edwards, Officer Esposito, Det. Whitfield and Riley Romigh and Vanessa Leverknight of the humane society for their help during Thursday's seizure.
He said the organization is in need of fosters, adopters, dog food and cat food, as well as volunteers to help with cleaning and give staff a much-needed breaks.
People are invited to visit the Humane Society located at 1825 S. Lincoln Ave. in Salem during the day to see adoptable animals.
The animals seized Thursday are not available for adoption at this time.