sws4420
01-29-2007, 07:47 AM
Despite the sign on the window ordering people to stay out, 24 Hour News 8 found the owner of the animals at the home.
"I don't think it's anybody's affair," said the woman.
Monday, 66 animals, including puppies, dogs and cats, were found in the home on 102nd Avenue.
The Allegan County Health Department ordered the home's condemnation, after sheriff's investigators say there was at least two inches of feces covering the interior of the home, which had no running water.
"I would hear the pets they had over there once in a while," said neighbor Dave Farris. "But I didn't have any idea of what I just heard, of how many they did have."
Ironically, Farris is someone who could have helped. He runs a dog grooming business.
But the owner never asked for any help.
Volunteers at Mapleview Animal Hospital in Holland have spent the last two days cleaning and grooming the rescued animals.
Despite conditions at the home, veterinarian Jim Bader said they appear to be in good health. "They've been well fed. They just haven't been groomed and kept up, so to speak."
Why so many dogs?
Farris said he's seen similar, less extreme cases.
"A lot of times their intentions are great," he said. "Saving pets, taking in stray dogs and stray cats. But a lot of times, it can get away from you if you don't have the means to take care of them."
Allegan County Sheriff's Lieutenant Scott Matice told 24 Hour News 8, "They started off with just a few animals and it just got out of control. They loved their animals and just wanted to keep them."
While the case is still under investigation, Matice said they don't expect to charge the owner with animal cruelty because she voluntarily gave them up.
Communities can set their own limits on the number of pets someone can own. Allegan County follows state law that allows an owner to have as many animals as they want, as long as they're licensed.
Experts say there is help out there through groups like the Humane Society and the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals.
http://www.woodtv.com/Global/story.asp?S=5991547&nav=menu44_2
"I don't think it's anybody's affair," said the woman.
Monday, 66 animals, including puppies, dogs and cats, were found in the home on 102nd Avenue.
The Allegan County Health Department ordered the home's condemnation, after sheriff's investigators say there was at least two inches of feces covering the interior of the home, which had no running water.
"I would hear the pets they had over there once in a while," said neighbor Dave Farris. "But I didn't have any idea of what I just heard, of how many they did have."
Ironically, Farris is someone who could have helped. He runs a dog grooming business.
But the owner never asked for any help.
Volunteers at Mapleview Animal Hospital in Holland have spent the last two days cleaning and grooming the rescued animals.
Despite conditions at the home, veterinarian Jim Bader said they appear to be in good health. "They've been well fed. They just haven't been groomed and kept up, so to speak."
Why so many dogs?
Farris said he's seen similar, less extreme cases.
"A lot of times their intentions are great," he said. "Saving pets, taking in stray dogs and stray cats. But a lot of times, it can get away from you if you don't have the means to take care of them."
Allegan County Sheriff's Lieutenant Scott Matice told 24 Hour News 8, "They started off with just a few animals and it just got out of control. They loved their animals and just wanted to keep them."
While the case is still under investigation, Matice said they don't expect to charge the owner with animal cruelty because she voluntarily gave them up.
Communities can set their own limits on the number of pets someone can own. Allegan County follows state law that allows an owner to have as many animals as they want, as long as they're licensed.
Experts say there is help out there through groups like the Humane Society and the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals.
http://www.woodtv.com/Global/story.asp?S=5991547&nav=menu44_2