More than 50 dogs found at NC home that was trying to adopt them out: deputies
Union County deputies investigating an animal hoarding situation found more than 50 dogs at a Monroe home where a woman was trying to adopt them out, according to a news release.
Almost all the dogs have been rehomed since they were discovered in the last month, but one had to be euthanized because it was too aggressive for adoption, the Union County Sheriff’s Office said.
“All dogs appeared in good health despite their living conditions,” the sheriff’s office said Friday. “This is a clear case of someone who wanted to do a good thing but quickly became overwhelmed and needed guidance on how to remedy the excess of animals she had taken on.”
The sheriff’s office said about 21 of the dogs came from an animal shelter or rescue based in Georgia. They were transported to the woman’s house in Union County by her, rescues or an affiliate, the news release said.
The woman surrendered the 21 dogs to the Union County Animal Services, but it brought the shelter to full capacity “which caused havoc on an open intake shelter and staff,” the sheriff’s office said.
One of the Georgia rescues retrieved 20 dogs who were still microchipped to their organization. The woman, who adopted the dogs from Georgia, rehomed the rest over the course of one month, the sheriff’s office said. She doesn’t have any more dogs in her home.
“The Union County Sheriff’s Office has turned over reports and evidence to the Georgia Department of Agriculture and the North Carolina Department of Agriculture (Animal Welfare Division) and they are currently reviewing the situation for potential licensing violations and fraud,” the news release said. “She has been cooperative with law enforcement in addressing the situation with multiple follow-ups.”
The sheriff’s office notified Georgia authorities of animals being transported across state lines by the involved rescues, the news release said.
“Residents are encouraged to verify that any rescue organization they work with is properly licensed and to report concerns involving animal welfare to local authorities,” the sheriff’s office said. “Be mindful of sending donations to rescues. Not all rescues are helping dogs but could potentially be harming them in these type of situations.”
