HOPEWELL, NY — The Ontario County Humane Society’s Happy Tails animal shelter is closed until further notice as staff members work to care for and quarantine a number of dogs seized from a Geneva home earlier this month.
According to Kurt Koczent, president of the Humane Society’s board of directors, a veterinarian and licensed veterinary technicians are working with staff to ensure the best possible care for the animals during this period.
“We’re taking all the precautions to keep the animals as safe as possible,” Koczent said.
Koczent is hopeful the shelter will reopen next week.
Why were dogs seized from a Geneva home?
A search warrant was executed Feb. 10 at an apartment on Middle Street in Geneva.
Investigators discovered 11 dogs, including one 4-year-old female pit bull, three young female pit bulls and seven puppies, living in deplorable conditions with urine and feces on the floor, according to a Humane Society report.
Two people are now facing 11 misdemeanor animal cruelty charges.
What happened to the dogs?
All of the dogs were taken from the residence and received medical evaluations and treatment for internal and external parasites, investigators said.
Koczent said one of the puppies had parvovirus, a highly contagious and potentially fatal virus if untreated. The American Animal Hospital Association and the World Small Animal Veterinary Association recommend: parvo vaccinations.
“Those animals were incredibly sick,” Koczent said. “We’re trying to keep all the other animals safe and practice good infection control to make sure that we’re not giving this to any of the other animals.”
In addition to quarantining the dogs, the shelter had to be temporarily closed for deep cleaning.
Community response to Happy Tails’ situation
When Breanna Dixon, one of the managers at the Finger Lakes Public House in Canandaigua, heard about this case, they decided to help out.
As part of a Valentine’s Day fundraiser, customers at the eatery bought hearts for $1, wrote messages on the heart and placed it on a wall as decoration for the holiday.
All of the proceeds are going to the shelter. In fact, Dixon said, the fundraiser is being cut short to end of day Feb. 23 so the donations can get to the shelter quicker.
“We’re all animal lovers here at Public House,” Dixon said. “I’ve rescued (animals) all my life, so this hit close to home.”
What does Happy Tails need?
The Humane Society is in need of donations that include bleach, rescue cleaning solution, paper towels, basic disposable cleaning supplies and dog food, which the community has stepped up to do.
Koczent said that more than 250 people had clicked on the shelter’s wish list, and to have people donate is “incredibly impactful.”
“It makes an immediate difference,” Koczent said. “We are completely blessed with a community that cares.”
For the Humane Society’s wish list, visit https://www.amazon.com/hz/wishlist/ls/22H8TRMLG38DH?fbclid=IwY2xjawIkMcBleHRuA2FlbQIxMAABHTSg-emGIyn99bTHexbdCsfWISdGQFI_UDiM0oTtm-6od5upgF8kEiLnRg_aem_xOrVkhc13beARG7JAPlKmQ.
Mike Murphy covers Canandaigua and other communities in Ontario County and writes the Eat, Drink and Be Murphy food and drink column. Follow him on X at @MPN_MikeMurphy.
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