Help sought for 72 dogs surrendered from Shiloh residence

Published 5:02 pm Wednesday, October 2, 2024

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The Camden County Sheriff’s Office has reported that, in collaboration with several local and state organizations, it “successfully facilitated the voluntary surrender of over 70 dogs from a residence in Shiloh. This comes after weeks of concern from local citizens regarding the health and well-being of the dogs.”

According to a Camden County Sheriff’s Office news release, concerned citizens reported issues several weeks ago with the condition of dogs at the Shiloh residence. “Upon conducting a welfare check, Camden County Animal Control attempted to inspect the dogs’ living conditions. The resident admitted to owning approximately 25 dogs but refused to allow a full inspection of the premises. However, the dogs that were visually inspected showed clear signs of health deficiencies,” the release continued.

“The resident indicated an interest in surrendering the dogs due to his inability to properly care for them. The Sheriff’s Office immediately reached out to various organizations for assistance. However, many were unavailable due to being deployed to the western part of the state for disaster relief. Despite these challenges, with the help of NC Department of Agriculture, Pasquotank Animal Control, Southern Hope Animal Rescue, Pasquotank Animal Hospital, and the SPCA of Northeastern North Carolina, the owner voluntarily surrendered more than 70 dogs.”

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The dogs are now under the care of local animal welfare organizations, where they are receiving necessary medical attention.

The SPCA of Northeastern North Carolina put out a call for assistance from the public Tuesday “due to a horrible neglect/hoarding situation” and seeking crates, dog bowls as well as help bathing the dogs as all were “covered in urine and fecal matter.” The organization stated that it had anticipated around 25-30 dogs, but that number ended up being 72.

Help is needed with fostering. “We desperately need fosters and rescues to come forward to help get these dogs out of here and give them a positive outcome. They are nice dogs, in overall good condition that unfortunately have never seen the outside or been on a leash. They’re just scared and don’t know what to do,” stated a post from the SPCA of Northeastern North Carolina.

Those unable to foster are asked to consider helping in other ways: “We need help cleaning and walking these dogs. We not only have them but also the dogs that were already here. We will be working on a schedule but we are starting to rotate everyone through starting at 9am. If you can just give 30 minutes, you will help us. We will have volunteer forms at the front desk for everyone to sign and we can show you where we need the most help. Please don’t wear any clothes you don’t want getting dirty, long pants and closed toed shoes are an absolute must.” The shelter is located at 102 Enterprise Drive in Elizabeth City. “In the midst of all of this we still have to complete our renovations so please excuse our mess and please have patience with us. We definitely will need some grace.”

The shelter’s immediate needs include blankets, towels, dog bowls, large and extra large dog crates, durable chew toys, monetary donations for veterinary care and supplies, as well as bathers, walkers, dishwashers, laundry help and kennel cleaning anytime between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m.

“Every little bit helps, even if all you can give is a little bit of your time. We appreciate EVERYTHING this community does for us,” stated the organization, which also expressed thanks to “Pasquotank County Animal Control, Southern Hope Animal Rescue & Education (and their volunteers), Cliff’s Coonhound Rescue & Trapping, our board members and most importantly the community members for answering our call for help. We can’t thank you enough.”

“Our top priority in this case has been the health and safety of these animals,” said Camden County Sheriff Kevin Jones. “We are grateful to the organizations and individuals who stepped in to help, ensuring the dogs were taken to a safe environment where they can receive the proper care and treatment.”

Once the animals were in safe care, the Camden County Sheriff’s Office executed a search warrant at the property. “During the search warrant, investigators were able to assess the unfortunate conditions where these dogs were being housed. The investigation into this case is ongoing, and further details will be provided when appropriate,” noted the release from the Camden County Sheriff’s Office.

Those with additional information about this case or other instances of animal cruelty or neglect should contact the Camden County Sheriff’s Office at 252-338-5046.

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