-Submitted photo
Jack was one of multiple dogs seized by Webster County Animal Protection in 2024. Jack was extremely underweight and didn’t have any food or water available to him. Jack has since gained weight and was adopted out to a loving home in Humboldt County.
While Webster County Animal Protection has seen an increase in animal abandonment cases in recent months, it’s also seeing an increase in the number of emaciated dogs and dogs killed by starvation.
According to Kaila Benson, owner of Webster County Animal Protection, two new cases of starvation were discovered in the past month — a golden retriever found starved to death in a black bag by Loomis Park and a pit bull found starved to death on the west side of Fort Dodge.
“Arriving to the issue after it’s too late is extremely heartbreaking for us because we have the ability to help, but have lost that chance, and we know that that animal suffered for an extended amount of time,” said Benson.
Webster County Animal Protection has also taken in dogs in recent months who were being starved and were able to save them. Charges were pressed against the owners.
“We have a re-feed protocol that we’ve learned to do that accomplishes two things in these instances,” said Benson. “It helps feed the dog in a way that its system can handle and it helps prevent food aggression once the animal is placed in its forever home.”
Benson said if a resident is concerned about the health of a dog, say something.
“Seeing the hips on a dog is generally an indicator of a lack of food, although it can also be a medical issue that owners are already treating,” said Benson.
Webster County Animal Protection along with Pups and Paws and other rescues in the area are typically willing to help provide food to owners in need on a short-term basis, if necessary.
“If you are someone that needs help, please reach out to us,” said Benson. “We cannot supply dog food for someone forever, but we can help them get by so they don’t have to relinquish their animal.”
Webster County Crime Stoppers is offering a reward up to $500 for information leading to the arrest in several animal neglect cases, including those of the pit bull and golden retriever found dead by starvation. Anyone with information is asked to contact the Webster County Communications Center at 515-573-2323. Tipsters can remain anonymous.
With the increase in starved and abused dogs coming into Webster County Animal Protection, Pups and Paws pound, Moffitt Animal Shelter, and Peace Creek Animal Shelter they have started a t-shirt fundraiser with Mad Rabbit Dezign to help offset the cost of veterinarian bills. Links to their fundraisers are available on their Facebook pages.
“The price of vetting can rise quickly, so the more we have prepared, the more work we can do,” said Benson.
This post was originally published on this site be sure to check out more of their content.
