Animal Care Services is\u00a0searching for foster homes to make room at the shelter after seizing 11 dogs from “unsanitary living conditions” at a West Side home.<\/p>\n
Authorities responded around noon Wednesday to a home off Vera Cruz Street after a receiving a call about dogs escaping the property and chasing neighbors.<\/p>\n
First responders called\u00a0ACS to the scene after observing the “unsanitary living conditions” at the home. There was an accumulation of feces, urine and trash inside the home and in the yard, according to\u00a0ACS spokesperson Lisa Norwood.<\/p>\n
“The consistent and constant exposure to the pet waste and all of the trash is not good for animals, and so that was a concern in addition to the sheer number of animals that were on the property,” she said.<\/p>\n
None of the dogs was injured, and they’re receiving veterinary care at ACS.<\/p>\n
It wasn’t the first time neighbors reported aggressive dogs getting loose from the home, according to Lt. Bethany Snowden, ACS field operations manager and head of the investigative unit.<\/p>\n
The owner will face a court hearing to determine whether criminal charges for animal cruelty will go forward.\u00a0If a judge determines that there is evidence that cruelty\u00a0occurred, the dogs will stay in ACS custody as the criminal case proceeds.<\/p>\n
There were additional animals on the property that\u00a0ACS did not seize Wednesday, but\u00a0Snowden said it is a possibility they could be taken in the future.<\/p>\n
With the 11 dogs set to be held at ACS until potential criminal charges are resolved, officials are asking the public to consider volunteering to foster.<\/p>\n
The dogs taken as part of the cruelty investigation must remain in ACS care, but volunteers are welcome to stop by the shelter and meet other pets that could be a match. All\u00a0food, supplies and medical care are provided for free.<\/p>\n
“We are asking for people to be able to make that commitment, even if it’s just for a couple of weeks, because it does help ease overcrowding here at the shelter during our high season,” Norwood said.<\/p>\n