Image courtesy Caruthersville Humane Society Surrender papers were signed Saturday by the owner of the 30 plus dogs found unattended in rural Pemiscot County last week. The surrender agreement means that the owner of the dogs will allow officials to come onto the property and take possession of more than 20 of the dogs.

Karol Wilcox, president of the board and chief investigative officer for Caruthersville Humane Society, met with the pet owner this weekend to finalize the paperwork and make arrangements for the dogs to be picked up later this week.

While all of the dogs are in need of basic veterinary care, they were in no immediate danger, so an emergency removal of the animals was not required. Caruthersville Humane Society took 100 pounds of food to the property earlier this week. They expect to pick the dogs next Wednesday morning.

Wilcox says that she does not see this situation as criminal, but more of good intentions gone wrong. “The owner’s cooperation in the matter and willingness to surrender the dogs speak volumes about this case. He is genuinely concerned with getting the dogs into a better circumstance, and until now, didn’t know how to do so,” said Wilcox. Image courtesy Carthersville Hume Society

According to sources the dogs haven’t always lived in these conditions. Recent life events and the growing number of dogs have made the situation unmanageable for any individual.

Caruthersville Humane Society, along with Kennett Animal Control Officer, Tena Petix, and a handful of volunteers, will set up triage on the property to process the animals and prepare them for transport on Wednesday. During processing all the animals will be checked for overall condition, receive vaccinations, and they’ll be photographed and logged into the records of the Caruthersville shelter. All pets from this rescue will see an veterinarian who regularly cares for the medical needs of pets in custody of the Caruthersville Humane Society.

Once all the animals have been assessed and receive proper attention, they will be socialized and placed for adoption through the Caruthersville shelter. Most of these dogs should be ready for adoption about two weeks after they have been taken in. Image courtesy of Caruthersville Humane Society

“Aside from the cost of caring for this many additional animals there is the veterinary expense to consider. Some of these dogs are pregnant and the numbers will be increasing soon. We could really use some help right now,” said Wilcox.

Vaccinations and de-worming will cost the shelter about $800.00 for just the initial intake numbers from this rescue. When the puppies are born, that dollar amount will increase. Add the cost of spaying or neutering each individual animal and the shelter is looking at another projected $1500.00 or more. Wilcox says there is no way of knowing right now how much the cost for those who need medical attention will be.

Article originally published on Examiner.com Nov. 7, 2011
Author © Gila Todd