In Delaware County, a distressing situation involving the mistreatment of animals was brought to light over the weekend when a video depicting poor living conditions for dogs went viral. As a result, on Sunday, the Delaware County Dog Warden, in collaboration with several animal welfare organizations, intervened to rescue forty dogs from a property on Kilbourne Road. The majority of these dogs are believed to be pit bulls or pit bull mixes.
The action to remove the dogs was initiated after the county received a credible witness statement on Friday night, which contradicted previous investigations that had only identified six dogs in good health. The property owner, known to the authorities for several years, was not present during the operation, and although no charges have been filed yet, they are expected to follow.
The rescue operation, which lasted approximately three hours, saw the involvement of the Humane Society of Delaware County, the Marion County Dog Warden’s Office, and the Humane Society of Morrow County. The dogs are now under the care of the Delaware County dog shelter and the county’s humane society.
Mitchell Garrett, the Delaware County Dog Warden, noted that despite ongoing complaints over the years, action was hindered due to the lack of a complete witness statement. The recent video and statement have finally allowed them to act against the abusive conditions, which included dogs chained heavily, living in mud or water, and provided with inadequate shelter.
It was also revealed that the property owner had a history of animal cruelty, with charges filed in North Carolina in 2012. The identity of the property owner has not been disclosed by news stations pending the filing of criminal charges in Delaware County. This case highlights the critical role of community vigilance and the need for immediate action to protect animals from abuse and neglect.
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