Authorities seize 19 cats at North Rapid home, shelter puts out plea for help

Holly Meyer

Rapid City Animal Control seized 19 cats and kittens from a house in North Rapid Thursday morning.

The animals were found after emergency services responded to a medical call for one of the house's adult residents, according to Animal Control officer Kent Brown. Two other adults and one child also live in the house.

The resident that needed medical attention was also the same resident who took in the animals, according to officials. She was taken to the hospital, according to officials.

"She was good hearted and could never say ‘no' when somebody walked up to the door," Brown said.

At least three cats ran away during the seizure. Brown has worked out an agreement with the residents that they will capture the cats, and he will return to collect them..." More

Backes Brothers Ordered to Give Animals to Second Chance Rescue Center

48 year old Kenneth Backes and 51 year old Johnny Backes were ordered to turn ownership for 13 of 14 animals previously seized from their property to the Second Chance Rescue Center. They also pled to one count of inhumane treatment of an animal for one of the colts seized. All other charges were dismissed. 14 animals were taken in the Hanson County community of Emery after authorities received a tip that the animals were malnourished. The brothers are also not allowed to have any other livestock on their property before June 1st of 2010 and after that they're only allowed three head of livestock total..." More & video

More Than 170 Dogs Rescued In Turner Co.

Officials with the Humane Society of the United States say they have rescued 172 dogs from an alleged puppy mill in Turner County. Second Chance Rescue and the Turner County Sheriff's Department assisted with the rescue, according to a news release from the Humane Society of the United States (HSUS).

"These animals were clearly lacking proper medical care and socialization, and were kept in constant confinement their entire lives," senior director of Emergency Services at The HSUS Scotlund Haisley said in the release.

According to officials, the investigation began after a consumer who bought a sick puppy from the operator's Web site filed a complaint. Second Chance Rescue called in The HSUS and the Turner County Sheriff's Department to rescue the animals.

Responders found 172 dogs, including German shorthair pointers and Weimaraners. The release says many of the dogs appear to have skin and eye infections, untreated medical conditions and parasite infestation.

The rescue team removed all of the dogs from the property and transported them to a temporary shelter set up by United Animal Nations, The HSUS and Second Chance Rescue..." More

Dogs Said To Be Found In Unsanitary Conditions

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Second Chance Animal Rescue