More Than 800 Animals Seized From Arizona Home: Elderly Couple Found Hoarding Small Dogs and Parrots
Posted by Kristen King on March 13
You can’t make this stuff up, people. News started coming out this morning about an elderly couple living in a triple-wide trailer (do they even MAKE those?) with between 700 and 800 small dogs and about 80 parrots. The dogs were mostly Chihuahuas, Chinese cresteds, Lhasa apsos, Pomeranians, and and terriers. Neighbors said that the couple bred dogs to find homes for them, but apparently they neglected to follow through with the second part of that equation. According to a spokesperson from the Humane Society of Southern Arizona, a number of dogs were pregnant and gave birth while being transported to the shelter.
Despite the absolutely squalid conditions — think of how much poop just ONE dog produces, and then multiply by 800 — the majority of the dogs were in excellent shape. Neighbors reported seeing an Iams delivery truck visiting the home at least once a month, so apparently they were relatively well fed. Some dogs were missing paws, supposedly from either being attacked by other animals or getting stuck in nearby fencing, but only three dogs were found dead on the premises. One report that I can’t locate online stated that one of the dead dogs was a puppy and the other two were adults, but I cannot find a link to confirm.
Authorities stated that this was more than double the number of any other seizure in the state of Arizona. The couple, whom some reports have named as a Mr. and Mrs. Jones and others have reported have not yet been identified, will likely not be charge with anything other than neglect. They are cooperating with authorities.
Area animal shelters that were already full are attempting to accommodate the nearly 800 dogs along with 80+ parrots, which also seemed to be in largely healthy condition. Another report that I cannot confirm at this time stated that the couple is hoping to recover 12 or 18 of the parrots and none of the dogs.
The dogs will be offered for adoption as soon as they can be checked over by shelter staff for illness and injury. The Humane Society is currently accepting monetary donations and donations of crates, food, and other supplies to care for the animals.
Do you have more info? Leave a comment with a link.
Sources:
- Hundreds of Dogs Found in Arizona Home During ‘Record Breaker’ Bust
- 800 dogs seized from home
- Almost ‘800′ Small Dogs Seized From Elderly Couple’s Home In Arizona
- 100s of Chihuahuas Seized From AZ Home
- About 800 dogs seized from filthy mobile home
Tags: pet blog, animal blog, dog blog, 800 dogs seized in arizona, elderly people hoarding animals, more than 800 dogs, 80 parrots, animal neglect, humane society, meow/bark/blog, kristen king
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March 14th, 2008 at 9:15 pm
Do you know which Arizona Humane Society chapter is accepting donations to take care of these specific dogs?
This is unbelievable. Since most rescues and shelters can’t find enough people to adopt the dogs they currently have, it’s likely that most of these dogs will be put down (or others will be as a result). How incredibly sad.
March 14th, 2008 at 9:22 pm
I believe it’s the Humane Society of Southern Arizona.
I wish we could take some, but it’s so far and we have so many dogs already. Well, not compared to 800, but you know what I mean.
May 1st, 2008 at 5:07 pm
Oh my goodness…I can’t even imagine what the people were thinking who did this. I hope that homes can be found for as many dogs (and parrots) as possible! Mary