The Vincennes Animal Shelter is helping with a large-scale dog hoarding case in Wayne County, Illinois.
Claws and Paws Rescue initially estimated 70 dogs were involved, but the count later rose to 96, primarily rat terriers and Boston terriers.
Shelter Director Leah Reagan told First City News that personnel, including Assistant Shelter Director Angie Stanley, were sent to assist.
“We were the last to arrive on scene, and several law enforcement officers were there,” Stanley said. She described broken steps leading into a mobile home.
“Upon entering the home, there were probably five inches of feces. There were three people that looked like they occupied the residence. They were very upset.”
Around 20 dogs—three of them pregnant—were brought back to Vincennes. More than half a dozen were sent to the animal shelter in Brazil, Indiana.
Reagan said many of the dogs were in poor condition. Each will undergo medical and behavioral evaluations, receive baths, vaccinations, and any necessary treatments, including antibiotics. Some may be placed for adoption, while others will be transferred to rescue organizations.
Despite already being at full capacity, the Vincennes shelter is working to accommodate the influx. As of this posting, there was no word on any arrests or criminal charges in the incident.
