'A shocking anomaly:' More than 100 animals rescued from alleged neglect at a veterinarian's residence in Clyde, Ohio

, /PRNewswire/ -- Humane World for Animals, formerly called the Humane Society of the United States, is assisting Sandusky County humane agents with the rescue of more than 100 animals from an alleged neglect case at a licensed veterinarian's residence. The Sandusky County Sheriff's Office, Humane Society of Sandusky County and Happy Trails Farm Animal Sanctuary also assisted on-scene.

Authorities served a search and seizure warrant on a residential property, which is owned by a licensed veterinarian, at approximately 7:30 a.m. Dogs, cats, goats, alpacas, donkeys, guinea pigs, rabbits, exotic birds and a pig were found living in conditions consistent with large-scale neglect. The various species were intermingled throughout the residence, which smelled strongly of ammonia. Responders were greeted by about 20 dogs weaving throughout a hallway lined with caged parrots. One of the parrots had an apparent wound on his or her wing.

In the basement, responders noted an examination table with drops of dried blood and dirty pawprints. A surgical tray next to the table contained used needles and sutures alongside various medications, some unlabeled. In the corner, a tabby cat was found hunched over in a cage with an apparent eye injury which veterinarians noted appeared to be very painful. Dozens of cats, some with apparent upper respiratory illnesses characterized by eye and nasal discharge, were found in adjoining rooms. Responders found several rabbits living in the basement in a barren room on concrete flooring which was covered in feces and urine. Veterinarians noted that many of the animals were suffering from severe dental disease.

"This is particularly egregious because a veterinarian has the knowledge and expertise to recognize when animals need help," said Dr. Michelle Gonzalez, a forensic veterinary consultant for Humane World for Animals and Ohio representative for Humane Veterinary Medical Alliance. "We swear an oath to treat animals with dignity and respect and our communities trust us to put the utmost importance into the welfare and health of animals. This is a shocking anomaly."

Sandusky County authorities requested the assistance of Humane World for Animals after concerns were raised about the welfare of the animals on the property. Humane World is assisting with animal handling, scene documentation, transportation and care of the rescued animals.

"We are aware that this individual has seen veterinary clients in this residence, which raises concerns about the risk of exposure to contagious illnesses identified among the population of animals here, including feline leukemia," said Kelly Pocock, chief humane agent, Sandusky County. "Animals in our community deserve better, and we are grateful to everyone involved in this rescue operation."

"I'm grateful to our Animal Rescue Team for returning to Ohio for another rescue operation, and I appreciate Sandusky County authorities for their dedication and work on this case," said Mark Finneran, Ohio state director, Humane World for Animals. "It's gratifying to see everyone working together to help these animals, but our goal is to prevent animal suffering from escalating like this in first place. This serves as a reminder to the public that animals in our community are depending on us to speak up when there is an animal welfare concern."

The animals are being removed from the property and transported to undisclosed locations to receive in-depth veterinary exams and much-needed care. Responders and volunteers from Humane World for Animals, RedRover, Green Dogs Unleashed and Happy Trails Farm Animal Sanctuary are assisting with the care of the rescued animals.

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Together, we tackle the root causes of animal cruelty and suffering to create permanent change. With millions of supporters and work happening in over 50 countries, Humane World for Animals—formerly called the Humane Society of the United States and Humane Society International—addresses the most deeply entrenched forms of animal cruelty and suffering. As the leading voice in the animal protection space, we work to end the cruelest practices, care for animals in crisis and build a stronger animal protection movement. Driving toward the greatest global impact, we aim to achieve the vision behind our name: a more humane world.
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SOURCE Humane World for Animals.