Cute, cuddly, abandoned

Fifteen 5-week old puppies were taped into cardboard boxes and dumped like trash at the gates of the Humane Society's Mountain Shelter (HSMS) this week. This illegal dumping of litters like trash has occurred numerous times in the recent past.

Cute, cuddly, wiggly and full of worms, these 15 puppies will cost the HSMS a minimum of $1800 to vaccinate, deworm, spay/neuter, feed and care for until they are ready for adoption. The tiny dogs currently take up 4 cages and it will take 4 adoptions to free just one space. As they increase in size they will take up even more cages.

"Those responsible citizens who are holding onto strays until room becomes available at the Shelter and the staff and volunteers at the Shelter have been dealt quite a setback," stated Shelter Manager and former Animal Control Officer, Helen Abercrombie. "In addition to the funds that will have to be diverted to care for these animals, HSMS is now forced to invest in a camera surveillance system to assist in the prosecution of violators of Georgia and Union County abandonment laws." The minimum fine for abandonment (1st offense) is $250.00

Union County Code, Section 14-7b states that it is unlawful to abandon any animal on public or private property. HSMS will prosecute under state and county ordinances.

While many complain about the cost of spay/neuter, there is hardly any comparison to the cost of raising 15 animals who have been dumped on someone else. There are many organizations in this area who will assist in the spay/neuter process at a reduced level. The Atlanta Humane Society has recently received a grant for free spay/neuter. Please call the Shelter 706-781-3843 for more information.