League Rescues 14 Dogs, 6 Cats from West Virginia Hoarder

April 14, 2011

(Washington, DC) – The Washington Animal Rescue League (the League) took in 14 dogs and 6 cats rescued yesterday from a Petersburg, West Virginia home.  All told, there were 57 dogs and 8 cats living in a house filled with feces and urine.  Most of the dogs appeared to be related.  The animals’ owners agreed to relinquish all but two female cats in exchange for avoiding charges of cruelty and neglect.

Besides being filthy themselves and requiring vaccinations and parasite treatment, the animals are not in bad shape. The dogs and cats at the League are having veterinary examinations at the League’s Medical Center, after which they will be assessed by the behavior and training team prior to being made available for adoption.

“This is second group of animals that the League has taken in from a hoarding situation this year,” Dr. Gary Weitzman, the League’s CEO, points out. “Typically, animals like these, who have suffered long-term neglect, need lots of supportive care and rehabilitation, both medical and behavioral.  The good news is that the League’s team is extremely good at meeting the needs of neglected and abused animals.  We make a 100 percent commitment to our animals; we give them everything they need to put their past behind them and become contented and healthy pets in their new, adoptive homes.”

Some of the other rescued dogs remained in West Virginia under the care of the Potomac Highlands Animal Rescue, the group that coordinated the intervention after receiving an anonymous tip on Sunday. Others went to the Middleburg, Virginia Humane Foundation.

The League anticipates that some of the the dogs and cats in their care could be available for adoption as soon as April 23.