Saturday, June 19, 2010

44 animals seized from Webster Township home following anonymous tip

By: Amalie Nash

Investigators seized 36 dogs, six exotic birds and two cats from a home just outside Dexter Thursday evening - pushing the Humane Society of Huron Valley's shelter over its capacity, officials announced today.

Humane Society animal cruelty investigators went to the Webster Township home based on an anonymous tip about five dogs left with no food and water, a news release said.

Investigators discovered 44 animals living in "horrendous conditions," the release said.

Humane Society Executive Director Tanya Hilgendorf said the animals were living among filth and feces in the home with two adults.

"This was no place you want an animal or a person living in," she said.

Matt Schaecher, lead cruelty investigator, said in a news release that investigators plan to seek animal cruelty charges and believe the family was illegally breeding the dogs for profit.

"But our investigation is still under way at this time," he said.

The dogs included 31 Whippets of different ages - including many puppies, four Italian Greyhounds, and a Skye Terrier. All the animals are at the Humane Society, where they will undergo health evaluations and be prepared for adoption.

Hilgendorf said the owners, who were present when investigators arrived Thursday, voluntarily signed over their rights to the animals..." More


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