Alaska authorities are working hard to help dozens of dogs get fresh starts.
On May 23, the Anchorage Police Department shared an urgent notice on social media, letting its followers know that officers recently “assisted Anchorage Animal Care and Control (AACC) in the seizure of approximately 70 dogs from a single residence, one of the most severe neglect cases we’ve encountered.”
According to the police department, “the animals were found in unimaginable conditions.” The post did not provide details about the conditions, but noted that “neglect charges are pending” in connection with the case.
The Anchorage Police Department added that the dogs are safe at AACC but still need help.
“AACC is now operating at nearly three times its standard capacity. They need our help, and they need it now,” the agency wrote in its social media post, advising followers to help the shelter by adopting or fostering a pet and donating funds and supplies.
“These animals have been through so much, and with the shelter stretched beyond its limits, it’s difficult to give each one the care and attention they truly deserve. If you’re able to open your heart or your home, even temporarily, please consider fostering a dog. Your kindness can make a world of difference and help create space for others in need,” the Anchorage Police Department concluded in its May 23 post.
AACC provided more details on the situation in a separate post.
Yesterday, we seized 71 dogs from a single residence. These dogs are under protective custody at the shelter, which means they are not MOA property and cannot be placed for adoption at this time,” AACC wrote in a Facebook post on May 23. “Our shelter is only built to humanely house 60-65 dogs, and we currently have 123 placed in the shelter.”
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Like the Anchorage Police Department, AACC encouraged its followers to adopt or foster an available dog from the shelter to help alleviate the overcrowding issue.
“Euthanizing is always our last resort, and we are trying everything we can, including reaching out to other shelters around the state, asking rescues for help, and getting our community involved. Unfortunately, if these resources don’t work, euthanasia may be our only option to make sure we are meeting the standards of care,” AACC added in its post.
Thankfully, it appears AACC did not have to resort to euthanasia to handle the sudden influx of animals under its care.
On the same day as its first post, AACC shared on Facebook that 17 dogs were adopted in just a few hours and that the 71 dogs seized from the single residence were now officially property of AACC, meaning the canines could begin “the evaluation process here at the shelter to be placed up for adoption.”
On May 25, the Anchorage Police Department followed this announcement with more good news.
“Since Friday, over 45 dogs have been adopted, and countless donations of supplies, food, and support have come pouring in. Anchorage, your kindness has made all the difference,” the department shared on social media.
“While this mission had its share of tail wags and happy endings, it was a serious operation. Our officers were proud to support Animal Care & Control in ensuring these animals were safely removed from dangerous conditions and given a second chance,” the agency said.
To learn more about AACC, the pets they have available for adoption, and the shelter’s life-saving work, visit AACC’s website.
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