400 Dogs And Cats Rescued From Shelter

On Sunday morning an operation involving multiple animal rescue organizations swooped on the city's animal shelter under the authority and request of the city of Clarksdale. Animals were being kept in overcrowded conditions and many had serious health complaints. The ASPCA® (The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals®), who assisted in the rescue, described the facility as being suitable for only 60 animals.

The ASPCA worked with local authorities to establish a temporary shelter for the animals, which included 40 cats and around 320 dogs, and was assisted by local organizations including In Defense of Animals, Mississippi Animal Rescue League and Mississippi Animal Response Team. These coordinated efforts were assisted by 4 local veterinarians. In addition, the Atlanta Humane Society is transporting at least 100 animals to Georgia where they will become available for adoption.

Tim Rickey, the ASPCA?s Senior Director of Field Investigations and Response, said that many of the animals appear to be healthy, but some have medical conditions, including mange, as well as injuries and bite wounds from living in communal, overcrowded and unsanitary conditions. "We are making sure that the animals' immediate needs are being met, and all animals are being evaluated by a veterinarian and will receive appropriate care," Rickey said. "This was a situation where the intake of unwanted animals was much higher than the number of animals being adopted, and it led to horrible living conditions. We are glad to be able to provide relief."

Photograph courtesy In Defense of Animals