Over 70 dogs, perhaps used for fights, seized in Turlock. Animal shelter crowding worsened
The Turlock Police Department took custody of over 70 dogs last week that it said were living in “deplorable and inhumane,” according to a news release.
The dogs, some of which were pregnant and close to giving birth, are suspected of possibly being used in dog fighting and were part of an animal cruelty investigation the department launched in early March.
“During the course of the investigation, surveillance revealed approximately ten dogs that were ‘tethered’ in the yards,” reads TPD’s release. “‘Tethering’ is a term to describe a practice of fastening an animal to a stationary object, which is illegal in the state of California.”
The dogs, 73 in total, were taken from three residences on the 400 block of South First Street. They were “seized as evidence” and are housed at Turlock’s Animal Services facility. This dog rescue comes on the heels of a spate of dog hoarding rescues last month in other parts of Stanislaus County, which has taxed the Stanislaus Animal Services shelter as well.
More than 80 dogs rescued from California home. 2 people arrested, 2 sent to hospitals
Due to overcrowding, Turlock Animal Services will not accept owner surrenders until further notice. The shelter already had 10 dogs that weren’t part of the investigation and is asking the public’s help in finding them homes. All fees are waived if residents choose to adopt, according to the release.
The animal shelter can “comfortably hold” 32 dogs, said Dominique Sanchez, spokeswoman for TPD.
None of the 73 dogs seized during TPD’s search are up for adoption at this time, but were “evaluated by a veterinarian and treated for any injuries or diseases,” according to the release.
Sanchez said a dog trainer would come to the shelter to determine which dogs are adoptable and which would need to be sent to a rescue facility. She also implored any rescue facility to reach out if it has space available.
TPD listed 46-year-old Jorge Ayala of Turlock as a suspect in their investigation. His whereabouts are unknown.
Police ask that anyone with information call Detective Ulrich at 209-668-6570. You can also contact TPD’s tip line at 209-668-5550, ext. 6780, or email at tpdtipline@turlock.ca.us.
