OCHS & ASPCA Rescue 50 Dogs

Oktibbeha County Humane Society, with support from the ASPCA and the Starkville Police Department Animal Control Team, is currently leading the urgent rescue of approximately 50 malnourished dogs living on the property of an overwhelmed pet owner.  Both the dogs and the owners have been living with very little access to food or water. Some of the dogs appear to have untreated medical injuries and illnesses and have been fighting for resources.

Last week we removed 52 adults and puppies from the property with help from the ASPCA and we are working to trap and remove the remaining dogs so we can bring them to safety and provide them with critical medical care. The ASPCA is also providing us with a grant to help cover expenses associated with caring for these dogs, who will be relocated to our shelter for treatment.

“We are grateful for the support of the ASPCA. It was critical in allowing us to respond so quickly,” said Michele Anderson, Executive Director. “We still need our communities’ help.  Please consider making a donation to OCHS to help us care for the animals in need.”

“The ASPCA is pleased to be in a position where we have the expertise and resources to urgently mobilize and help local shelters across the country improve the lives of animals in their communities.  We commend Oktibbeha County Humane Society for recognizing the need for additional assistance to provide appropriate care for these dogs who were living in dire conditions and in critical need of rescue,” said Jenn Cherry of ASPCA National Field Response.

OCHS would also like to thank the Starkville Police Department, Dr. Phil Bushby, and Dr. Renee Westbrook for their assistance. 

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When do you know you are in over your head?  How do you know when it is time to ask for help? 

  1. Are you able to adequately feed and shelter the animals living on your property?  What is a realistic number of animals per household will vary, but being able to provide food, water and shelter should be considered for each animal.
  2. Are you able to provide veterinary care such as vaccinations, spay/neuter, and deworming/parasite prevention?  When considering how many animals you are able to provide care for keep in mind that there are many low cost clinics in many cities and states.  Spaying and neutering quickly reduces numbers as dogs can have around 2 litters of puppies per year while cats can have around 3 litters of kittens per year.  Those numbers can quickly get out of control once the offspring is able to reproduce.  Vaccinations are important as this is what controls serious medical issues such as the Parvovirus, Distemper, etc.  And deworming is an inexpensive way to ensure your pup is getting proper nutrients from his/her food.  When parasites such as roundworms, whipworms, hookworms, tapeworms, etc are present, those parasites take the nutrients from your pet and contribute to poor health or even premature death.
  3. Are you able to physically care for the animals?  Are you able to provide each animal with a clean area in which to live, free of urine and feces?

If you answered no to any of these questions, please reach out for help. Contact your local animal shelter, humane society or rescue.  If there isn’t one nearby, contact OCHS.  If we can’t help, we will work to find resources for you.  Please don’t wait until you and the animals in your care are suffering.