News

Local rescue groups help dogs escape cruelty, hoarding

Over 100 dogs have been removed from animal cruelty, hoarding, or collecting situations across Blount County since February in a combined effort by the Sheriff’s Office, local rescue organizations, and the Animal Adoption Center of Blount County.

In the latest case, Animal Control Officer Dep. Brock Echols brought ten malnourished dogs from a Hayden property to the County shelter, according to Sgt. Jason Paul at the Blount County Sheriff’s Office. The 50-year-old owner was arrested Apr. 15 on ten counts of cruelty to animals.

The man admitted to not having fed the dogs in at least two days, said Sgt. Paul. Two adult dogs had been kept on chains, while eight puppies were reported to be running at large and seeking food from neighborhood trash bins. “The owner was given time, information, and resources to correct the issue,” Sgt. Paul explained, “but he failed to do so.”

The largest of the recent incidents was at a residence on Deavers Town Road in Cleveland from which approximately 50 dogs were taken in by rescue organizations, according to Wendy Montealegre, a rescuer and shelter volunteer who assisted in recovering the dogs. The majority went to Ruth’s Doghouse in Irondale; Tails from Alabama, the Bessemer-based rescue founded by Montealegre took in two older puppies; and No Greater Love in Tuscaloosa accepted the final mom and litter, Montealegre said.

Because the situation was not criminal, according to Sgt. Paul, no charges were filed.

Prior to rescue organization involvement, the shelter offered to help a person associated with the Deavers Town Road address by accepting seven healthy juvenile dogs. Two of the seven later went to rescue organizations and the other five were “euthanized for space reasons,” according a source at the Animal Adoption Center of Blount County.

Other rescues stepped up to help shelter staff. Remlap-based rescue Champ’s Legacy took in five dogs and two cats, according to Director Sarah Ericson.

Champ’s Legacy quickly found an adoptive home for a Bully mix named Deadpool; the others were placed in foster homes while they recovered from medical treatments and to prepare them for adoption. “This provides more of a natural environment for the dogs and cats so they can get used to home life,” Ericson explained. “The sounds of a vacuum, a mixer, a television, and a routine of humans in every day life help them transition to their forever homes.”

Precious Paws Rescue, based in Warrior, accepted three dogs from the shelter. “We took a couple high energy, hard-to-place dogs, and one that needed some extra attention [because] he was very shy,” said co-founder Karyl Alderman. “We do anything we can do to alleviate the pressure on our shelters.” Alderman was able to quickly arrange fostering and adoption commitments for the three dogs.

Alderman estimated the average cost per dog at $500, including medical care, food, and transport to other states, where many of Precious Paws’ dogs are adopted. “For heartworm-positive [dogs], which many of the hoarding dogs probably are,” Alderman explained, “the average is ten times that.”

There are many ways that Blount County residents can help animals and the workers and volunteers who are on the front lines, such as by adopting, volunteering, and by welcoming foster animals for a short-term stay.

“We need fosters. The shelter needs fosters. All the rescues need fosters,” explained Precious Paws’ Alderman. The shelter relies on the community to donate dog and cat food. Champ’s Legacy also appreciates help with dog food, blankets, and towels, Ericson added, and volunteers can assist at weekend adoption events at Pet Supplies Plus in Trussville.

Keys to reducing shelter intake: sterilizing pets and seeking help for yourself or others, ideally before the situation becomes overwhelming. For assistance with sterilization costs, food, supplies, or with keeping your dogs on your property, call the shelter at 205-973-0493.

If a neighbor or family member is accumulating animals or is not able to care for their pets, call Blount County Dispatch at 205-625-4913; quick action can prevent further harm to the people and animals involved.