LAS VEGAS (KSNV) — At least 30 animals found at a West Valley home are now up for adoption.
The animals were picked up by Animal Protection Services and brought there Tuesday after a call from a neighbor who saw many dogs roaming outside the house.
Now the foundation is helping these furry friends find a new forever home.
“We are definitely over capacity here at the shelter. And this just puts a bigger strain on both our animals and our staff,” said Kelsey Pizzi, communications manager for The Animal Foundation.
The Animal Foundation was already dealing with many animals before the 35 dogs were brought in.
“We do not have enough kennels for the number of dogs that are at this shelter. We just don’t,” said Pizzi. “So, everyone has to gather and figure out a plan which is to come up with temporary housing.”
City of Las Vegas officials say Animal Protection Services received a call Tuesday afternoon of 20 small terrier-type dogs running in the front yard of this home near Lake Mead and Rainbow.
When they showed up, the front door was open and there were even more dogs running inside the home.
The woman who owned the dogs told police she had not stayed at the home for two weeks during repairs, but that she had been feeding the dogs daily.
The dogs were then taken away to the foundation.
Neighbors and friends are reacting to the news surprised by the number of pets.
“It’s tragic. But she just loved their dogs. At least she loved them and wasn’t cruel to them,” said Shannon Judkins, who knew the owner.
One neighbor says he’s been friends with the woman since he moved in 12 years ago.
“I loved her mother. I love her very much. And when she died, I think that’s when the whole turn came. Because she got very lonely. I think that’s why she had as many dogs as she’s had,” said Stacy Gardner.
The owner was cited with a misdemeanor for having more dogs than allowed in the city of Las Vegas.
“You need a license in the city of Las Vegas for each and every animal that you own,” said Matthew Hoffman, of Battle Born Injury Lawyers. “You can have up to six. If you want more than six in your house, you have to get a special license, either as a fancier or as a breeder. And then all those dogs also have to be spayed and neutered.”
She was also given a misdemeanor for sanitation.
Hoffman says the situation could in some cases lead to higher charges.
“Thankfully, in this case, she wasn’t charged with animal cruelty,” said Hoffman. “That would be a possibility if you had this many animals, and it was super unsanitary, if they were emaciated, they weren’t being fed things like that.”
The dogs had to go through evaluation before being put up for adoption here.
For anyone interested in adopting any of the dogs, head to: https://animalfoundation.com/adopt-a-pet/adoption-search
As far as the owner goes, News 3 did speak with her on the phone and she did not want to comment on the incident.
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