PANAMA – Fourteen dogs that were allegedly abandoned in a trailer in the Village of Panama are now safe following a joint effort of the Chautauqua County Sheriff’s Department, Chautauqua County Humane Society (CCHS), and Village of Panama Animal Control Officer, Aaron Constantino, according to the CCHS.
Sheriff’s deputies reportedly received complaints from residents on School Street in the village about loud barking. The CCHS said it appeared that the trailer the barking originated from had been unoccupied for some time.
On the morning of March 8th, members of CCHS were called in to help assess the condition of the dogs that were held in the trailer and to transport them to the safety of the CCHS Strunk Road Adoption Center.
Deputies reportedly presented a warrant before making entry into the unoccupied trailer where the 14 dogs were found living in deplorable conditions. “The dogs were filthy, there was no sign of food or water,” CCHS Director of Animal Services Sue Bobek said. As they came out of the trailer, they were trying to eat snow to satisfy their needs. We don’t know how long they had been left alone, but it had been quite some time.”
While a few of the dogs may be up for adoption soon, the organization says others will need more attention from the behavior staff at CCHS. Bobek said, “Each one of the dogs is starting to come around. With some patience and compassionate caring they should learn to trust and bond with people. They should be able to become loving members of families.”
CCHS Executive Director Kellie Roberts said, “We are committed to rehabilitating these dogs so they can have a life where they are loved and respected. This will take a considerable amount of resources with this many dogs, but we are counting on the community to rally behind them and show their love and support. We are looking for folks who would be interested in fostering. We are also counting on those who would consider donating monetary gifts to help with the cost of their care. These dogs have been with us for a week now and the expenses for the care of these dogs so far is around $2,000.”
There is a warrant out for the arrest of the unidentified occupant of the trailer. The specific charges have yet to be released publicly. WNYNewsNow will have more details as soon as they are available.
Anyone who would consider fostering one of these dogs, donating to their care and rehabilitation, or may be looking to adopt, is asked to call 716-665-2209, visit Chqhumane.org or find the Chautauqua County Humane Society on Facebook for more information.
The Chautauqua County Humane Society is a 501 (c)(3) not for profit organization serving Chautauqua County since 1905. CCHS’s mission is “To improve and save lives through compassionate care, advocacy for animals and commitment to the community.”
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