Brought to you by WBIW News and Network Indiana
Last updated on Tuesday, May 24, 2016
(OWEN CO.) - They say this is the worst dog hoarding case Owen County has ever seen.
That's the reaction from officers as they seized more than 50 dogs on Wednesday and Thursday from a home in Freedom, Indiana.
Now, the humane society there is nursing the dogs back to health and figuring out what's next.
Officers declared the home on Shepard Road an emergency hazardous situation.
"It's disgusting, it's deplorable, it's bad," Chief Deputy Matt Miller. told WTHI.
Sheriff Sam Hobbs says he's never seen anything like it. "There's not words to describe the situation."
The Sheriff's Office worked with pest control, and several other agencies to seize the property and deal with the contamination.
The dogs are being taken to the Owen County Humane Society. For now, the dogs are being labeled by the number they come in.
Becky Brown is the Vice-President of the Owen County Humane Society, says It's totally out of their element taking 82 dogs. State Veterinarian and volunteers evaluate for health conditions and malnourishment.
All they can do now is ask for help. The Sullivan County Humane Society, along with several other Wabash Valley shelters have decided to lend a hand.
Paul Purcell is the owner of the property. Purcell did cooperate with the Sheriff's Office while they seized the animals from his home. In court on Friday, Purcell voluntarily surrendered all dogs to the Owen County Humane Society.
There's a list of donations items that the Owen County Humane Society at 2014 Romona Road in Spencer needs.
You can also contact the Owen County Humane Society at (812) 829-6247
The Humane Society is open Sunday, Wednesday and Thursday 12 p.m. to 5 p.m., Friday 12 p.m. to 7 p.m., Saturday 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., Closed Monday and Tuesday
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