AHS removes 29 dogs from a property in Fillmore Co.

Now looking to work with partners to help rehabilitate and rehome dogs

Animal Humane Society removed 29 dogs from a property in southern Minnesota yesterday in cooperation with the Fillmore County Sheriff’s Department. All 29 dogs are now being cared for in Animal Humane Society’s Golden Valley facility. They will be undergoing medical evaluations.

Originally a complaint from a citizen was received by Fillmore County authorities regarding the care and welfare of numerous dogs on a property located near Preston. According to Keith Streff, AHS humane agent, “The sheriff’s office observed numerous dogs living in unsanitary conditions. AHS was notified and worked in cooperation with Fillmore authorities to remove the dogs.” The dogs were without adequate shelter and fed a diet consisting of scraps and dead animal carcasses. The property is without running water or electricity. The owner voluntarily surrendered the dogs into the care of AHS on Wednesday, September 9, 2009.  

AHS is now contacting its animal welfare partners to help provide these dogs with needed care and treatment. “Because of the conditions they were kept in, these dogs have a lot working against them right now. Their lack of socialization being the most severe,” says Kathie Johnson, animal services director for AHS. “But this is the course of our work. We hope to rehabilitate them through the fostering, socialization and adoption preparation programs we offer at Animal Humane Society and through our partnerships with other animal welfare organizations.”    

Janelle Dixon, president and CEO of AHS notes there are many animals living in similar situations in Minnesota. “We can only help when we hear about them. And it’s after they’ve been rescued that the real work begins. In every case, poor health conditions and lack of socialization make the road to a new home a long one for these animals. We’re hopeful that the majority of them will be rehabilitated and find loving homes.”

It is unknown at this time when the dogs will be placed in AHS adoption centers due to their current conditions and needed treatment and rehabilitation.

Watch Fox 9's Rob Olson report the story of the Fillmore dogs

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