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Most of us think of "if you see something, say something" as applying to humans -- abuse, neglect, trafficking and other criminal activity. And it does. But it applies to animals, too. Last week in Delaware County, Ohio, it led to several dogs being removed from what appears to be a severe animal cruelty situation.
According to a report by WHIO, 40 dogs were removed to the Delaware County Dog Shelter from a Kingston Township property. The investigation began because officials received more than 50 calls. The county dog warden's office was able then to obtain a search warrant and found dozens of pit-bull type dogs in need of some help.
"Thank you to our community for sharing pictures and concerns about a humane situation in our county. We take animal welfare seriously and are actively working the case. We appreciate everyone who took the time to report it to us and will provide an update at a later time," the Delaware County Humane Society posted on social media.
According to WHIO, Delaware County Dog Warden Mitchell Garrett said the owner of the property had been known to them for years, and previous visits had found only six dogs in good health.
One can't help but wonder why it took a deluge of calls this time for action to be taken. But legal wheels can turn slowly in cases such as this one. Thank goodness those calls came in.
It's hard enough to think about how many vulnerable people are out there, hoping someone is paying attention and will make the right call. But we owe that same kind of vigilance to animals, too.