Staff from the Rockingham-Harrisonburg SPCA and Rockingham County sheriff’s deputies rescued 52 dogs from a house in Broadway this past weekend, according to a press release from the SPCA.
SPCA staff and deputies responded to the scene after a neighbor told them about the situation, said Aaron Cleveland, director of engagement for RHSPCA. The owner of the home had died some time before the dogs were found, which led to the deterioration of the home’s condition.
With the assistance of local animal control officials, 17 dogs, most needing medical attention, were removed on Thursday. According to the release, 27 more dogs were removed on Friday, and eight more were removed on Sunday. Many dogs were found hiding under barrels or boxes when shelter staff and animal control officers investigated the property. Cleveland said the dogs showed signs that they hadn’t had contact with humans for an extended period.
The dogs, which were left free to roam inside, outside, or underneath the house, were still being medically evaluated as of Tuesday morning, Cleveland said. Many were suffering from demodex mange, a skin condition caused by mites that usually live on dogs’ skin, which can grow out of control when dogs become stressed. Others had ear or eye problems, or broken legs.
“If you can think of it, they’ve got it,” Cleveland said of the dogs. He added that many of the conditions they had stemmed from stress and living in overcrowded conditions.
Cleveland explained that the house was found to be in a state of disrepair, likely owing to electricity and water being shut off for some time. The front door bore scratches where dogs had clawed at it as they tried to get in. Furniture was in extreme disrepair, and unknown material was seen covering the walls and ceiling.
Although the SPCA is doing its best to give the dogs a safe environment, the large influx of needy animals adds to the strain on their resources, said Huck Nawaz, the shelter’s executive director.
“The number of dogs in our care went from 97 last Thursday to 150 over the weekend,” Nawaz said in the release. “It has been a very busy few days for our volunteers and staff. We are grateful for the community’s support and are ensuring every animal receives the care and attention they need. The dogs will receive a comprehensive medical and behavioral assessment, and we will work with rescue partners and local adopters to find loving homes for them.”
Cleveland said 17 dogs were scheduled to be released to foster homes on Tuesday.
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