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LSPCA NEWSLETTER | MARCH 2020 | VOLUME 6
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First - The Back Story
On Friday, February 27, 2020, the Lancaster Sheriff’s Department and Animal Control seized 25 huskies and one cat from deplorable conditions at a home in Lancaster County after being alerted by a concerned neighbor. LSPCA was contacted late Friday night as the animals had been taken to our local shelter but all needed medical care. LSPCA helped coordinate efforts to care for all of them and took on the responsibility of paying for all of the medical expenses.
Immediately, two of the dogs required lifesaving measures and were taken to our veterinarian, Dr. Brent Glenn, at Faulkner Animal Hospital. Dr. Glenn and his staff began by treating the one having uncontrollable seizures and one other who appeared lifeless. They were emaciated due to starvation and could not walk on their own. Both ultimately needed to be admitted to Carolina Veterinary Specialists (CVS) in Rock Hill for 24/7 care with Dr. Amy Huff.
Additional medical cases include two husky puppies estimated to be approximately five-weeks-old admitted to CVS, two adult huskies who will need eye surgery (to be done by Dr. Glenn once they are strong enough), and a four-week-old puppy believed to be blind with neurological issues admitted to Faulkner Animal Hospital for fluids and medication under the care of Dr. Candice Ellis. At this time, all 25 huskies and one cat have been seen by Dr. Glenn, Dr. Ellis, or Dr. Faulkner at Faulkner Animal Hospital. They have all received exams, age-appropriate vaccines, full blood panels, and treatment for medical issues. We have two huskies with neurological problems, the baby and one adult husky, who will be seen by Dr. Robert Bergman, a Neurologist at CVS. The one rescued cat has been to Faulkner Animal Hospital and was admitted for care and medical attention, also related to starvation. All of these animals are being fed according to the advice of our team of veterinarians as they have Refeeding Syndrome as a result of starvation and malnourishment. We contacted Nutramax Laboratories and they have graciously donated Cosequin Supplements for joints and Proviable Probiotic, which all huskies are receiving. The Hills Prescription Diet Corporation has donated special food to help us feed the huskies with the proper nutritional values they need. We want to thank the staff of Faulkner Animal Hospital, Carolina Veterinary Specialists, and Nutramax Laboratories for all they have done to help with this situation.
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The individuals responsible for the inexcusable torture of these animals and the deaths of many others, have been apprehended and will hopefully be prosecuted to the fullest extent that the law allows. They have both bonded-out, but it is our hope that they will be back behind bars soon. The county Solicitor's Office is currently working on this case. For the full story, please check this Facebook post from the Lancaster County Sheriff's Department.
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As of today, none of the dogs are available for adoption due to their ongoing medical issues. We promise to keep everyone up-to-date as to their status. The two that were in critical condition upon arrival are now thriving in foster care. They still have ongoing issues related to starvation and malnutrition, but they are doing so much better. Most of the animals have been moved from the shelter to loving foster homes or to a few local facilities for care. The youngest pup, pictured above on the right, seems to suffer from blindness and has some neurological issues, probably from inbreeding and/or poor nutrition. The other two puppies are under medical care as well. All three are with a foster and adjusting well to the good life they deserve.
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We are so grateful for the outpouring of support and financial donations from the community as well as donations of supplies via our Amazon Wishlist that have been sent to either LSPCA or Lancaster Animal Shelter. We have received donations from all over the United States and even had one from the United Kingdom!
There is nothing greater than to witness a dog play for the first time, lay in the sunshine outside, learn what a toy is and even better, feel what it is to have a comfy bed, blanket, and toys. All of the animals have been given a spa day by Bubbles and Blades and Southern Comfort Resort and Spa. We cannot express how amazing this level of support from the community has been. Every animal deserves a voice, and in this situation, they have it, thanks to all of you.
We also want to give special recognition to the truly amazing, hardworking employees of the Lancaster Animal Shelter. The shelter was already at capacity when this took place, but they have gone above and beyond to make sure all of these animals were cared-for and felt love and compassion, probably for the first time in their lives. This has truly been a team effort, and what an incredible team we have! Each husky has received unconditional love and time from shelter employees and volunteers from all around the community.
Our prayer is that all of these animals are able to overcome this abuse and neglect and find loving “furever” homes when it’s time. We hope that this situation will shed light on the fact that Lancaster County desperately needs new ordinances so that there are real consequences for animal neglect/abusers. We need to institute mandatory spay and neuter laws, outlaw animal chaining and tethering and initiate animal registration requirements to regulate and oversee animal breeding facilities to prevent this kind of situation from occurring in the future. LSPCA will be the voice for the voiceless until there is some accountability for the overpopulation of animals in our area and the rampant neglect and abuse we see daily.
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Pets Available for Adoption
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Although we had to cancel our adoption event last week, we want to remind everyone that we do have many pets currently looking for their "furever" homes. If you are interested in meeting one of these pets, please complete an adoption application. Once the application has been approved, we will set up a meet & greet at a mutually agreeable time.
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