Animal rescue groups rally to help 46 dogs seized from condemned Pawtucket home
Caring for many of the 46 dogs seized from a Pawtucket house Monday is proving to be time-consuming and labor-intensive. The process is also unveiling "significant medical issues" for many of the animals, according to Wayne Kezirian, president of the Rhode Island Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals.
The RISPCA and several other rescue agencies have stepped in to help the Pawtucket Animal Shelter by taking some of the dogs and providing them with veterinary care.
With long, matted fur, the dogs have to be sedated and completely shaved so veterinarians can fully examine them. "It is taking about 1-1/2 hours per dog with 4 people working to complete each sedated medical shave," said Kezirian, whose agency has taken in 10 dogs.
The dogs were removed from "abhorrent" living conditions at 146 Senate Street Monday afternoon after an investigation by the Pawtucket police. The couple that had been living in the house, which was condemned Monday, could face charges, according to the police. As of Friday, the police said they were still investigating and no charges have been filed.
Other agencies that have taken in dogs include the Providence Animal Rescue League, which took six, and the Potter League for Animals in Middletown, which took ten. Both agencies posted dramatic photos to their Facebook pages.
"The dogs were so severely matted that they required complete shaving, revealing open wounds and sores," the Potter League wrote on Facebook. "Our dedicated animal care and veterinary teams are working to provide each dog with the lifesaving care they desperately need."
The Providence Animal Rescue League wrote, "Our medical team swooped in with love and care, providing grooming, assessments, and treatments. Together, we're making a difference for these furry friends in need. Proud to stand alongside such a compassionate community of shelters and rescues in Rhode Island!"
Agencies need help paying for the care
The dogs in the RISPCA's care will be made available for adoption "once they are cleared," Kezirian said. "That process will take some time as we are discovering significant medical issues for many of them."
Kezirian is impressed with the way several agencies and individuals have pitched in to help the animals.
"In my opinion, the real story here is that in this instance the Pawtucket Police Department and Pawtucket Animal Control stepped up and took these dogs into the Pawtucket Animal Shelter without hesitation, even though doing so would overload the shelter in the short term," Kezirian said. "They trusted that they would be able to work with the RISPCA and others in the animal community to share in the response and that has happened."
The care for each dog will likely cost at least "a couple thousand" dollars each, Kezirian said previously, and the agencies are asking for contributions to support the effort.
RISPCA recruiting volunteers for emergency response team
"This is going to be an expensive situation for all parties involved," Kezirian said.
The RISPCA created a TikTok video showing one of the dogs, Hawk, before and after its shaving. The agency said it couldn't determine the dog's sex, breed or age before the shaving. Ten pounds of matted fur was removed. The video asks for contributions to the agencies caring for the dogs.
To help in responding to emergencies like Monday's, the RISPCA is recruiting and training a volunteer emergency response team, according to Kezirian. Anyone with animal-handling experience who's interested in being part of the team should contact Kezirian at (401) 383-1900.
This article originally appeared on The Providence Journal: Emergency teams work to care for 46 dogs seized from Pawtucket home
