117 dogs of varying sizes and breeds that were all shoved into an old mobile home and occasionally thrown a bag of food have been rescued. According to the ClarionLedger report dated March 21, 2013, the woman who owned the trailer surrendered this morning and faces charges of animal neglect.
Shirley Gai, age 51, did not live in the mobile home, in Stone County MS. According to neighbors she stopped by from time to time and dumped a 50-pound bag of dog food in the floor for the dogs to scramble to eat. The smaller, less aggressive dogs probably had a hard time getting enough food, if any. Even the larger, healthier dogs probably had to fight for every morsel.
It is not even a situation that Gai found herself in accidently. Stone County Chief Deputy Phyllis Olds said that Gai continued to pick up strays and even went to shelters and adopted dogs to add to the ever growing hoard in the double wide. Though therapists will tell you that hoarding is a sign of other underlying mental issues, it is a shame that these dogs had to suffer such deplorable conditions.
Chief Deputy Olds went to the double wide to investigate after neighbors complained. She said that many of the dogs were without hair and that it even appeared as if some were eating the others because they were so hungry. Police officers, volunteers and veterinarians also found dead dogs in garbage bags as they assessed the situation.
Most of the animals were taken to Southern Pines Animal Shelter, in Hattiesburg, MS. Hopefully they can get the help they need and can eventually be adopted. Some unfortunately will never be adoptable after living in such conditions and will probably be euthanized. It is horrible to think of the conditions these dogs must have endured and even worse to think their life will have to be cut short because of it.
"It breaks my heart to see so many homeless or mistreated pets. I try to do my part to help them, by educating the public in pet health and care." Subscribe above to follow what Donna writes or contact her at alternativepethealth@gmail.com
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