ROCKINGHAM COUNTY, Va. (WHSV) – More than 40 dogs were found abandoned after their owner passed away, in what some are calling ‘devastating’ conditions at a property in Broadway on Thursday. The incident prompted an emergency response from the Rockingham-Harrisonburg SPCA.
The organization rescued 15 of the most critically ill and injured animals from the scene. Many of the dogs were suffering from severe mange, internal parasites like tapeworms, and other untreated medical issues.
“The dogs were obviously not in the best condition,” said Huck Nawaz, executive director of the Rockingham-Harrisonburg SPCA. “A lot of them are suffering from significant neglect, outstanding medical needs, and we’re still assessing the situation as they come into our care.”
Nawaz said this is just the beginning of the rescue effort. The RHSPCA plans to return in the coming weeks to remove the remaining dogs and provide care. Due to limited space in the shelter, the organization is relying heavily on foster homes to take in the animals, many of whom require intensive medical treatment or are pregnant.
“All of these guys are coming with outstanding medical needs, and several of them are pregnant as well,” Nawaz said. “So we will need foster homes and the financial support to take the best care of them, we will.”
The rescue has placed a major strain on the RHSPCA’s resources. Their emergency medical fund, the Have a Heart Fund, is now critically low, despite a recent boost from the Great Community Give campaign held just weeks ago.
The RHSPCA is urgently seeking both foster families and donations to help cover the cost of ongoing treatment and recovery for the animals. Those willing to help can apply to foster or make a donation on their website.
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