HSMO’s Animal Cruelty Task Force rescues 41 dogs from Newton County

On Feb. 28, 2023, HSMO’s Animal Cruelty Task Force (ACT) conducted a rescue on the property of a hoarder in Newton County, recovering 41 mixed-breed dogs and puppies, several of them only weeks old. The dogs’ inhumane living conditions were brought to HSMO’s attention by the Newton County Sheriff’s Office. When ACT arrived at the property, the owner agreed to surrender custody of the dogs to HSMO.

When ACT arrived on the property, they saw it was littered with junk, rusted machinery, and dilapidated vehicles that the dogs had been confined to. Upon recovery, the dogs were filthy, many with matted fur, and extremely fearful. One dog was limping and suffering from a very recent injury. The owner confirmed the animal had been struck by a car within the last 24 hours and that none of the animals had ever received any veterinary care while in her custody.

The health and socialization of the recovered dogs will vary, and assessments will take place over the next several days to determine individual treatment plans. HSMO expects to make the dogs available for adoption after they have been rehabilitated.