|
|
November 29, 2006, MONTGOMERY, ALABAMA - The Montgomery County Humane Society confiscated 22 dogs Wednesday. That's the most ever from a single owner. The dogs were on property raided by federal drug agents Tuesday night.
"We've got a couple in pretty bad shape," said Humane Society Deputy Scott Hill. "We're concerned about their health right now."
Hill says the pit bulls and other so-called 'power breeds' were chained up in an apparent breeding operation.
"When you have a dog on a chain like that, it starts to make him aggressive because he can't use up all the energy he has," Hill explained. "There was a lack of attention. All they wanted was to petted."
Officials found the dogs on 3-acres of land near the Waugh exit off Interestate 85. The night before, federal agents raided the property and arresting the owner, Tracy Coleman on drug charges.
Officials say Coleman may also have been training the dogs to fight. He's being held in the Montgomery County Jail under $150,000 bond.
"We haven't ruled that out. It's still under investigation," Hill said.
The dogs will be kept at the Humane Society shelter on John Overton Drive until the suspect has his day in court. But even at that, their fate is uncertain.
Shelter workers may determine the dogs are too aggressive to be adopted out.
"Unfortunately, in that situation, euthanasia would happen," said Humane Society Director Steve Tears.
"They're pretty friendly to people, however, if you're walking your dog, if they are a fighting dog, they will attack," Tears said.
For the time being, the humane society is doing what it can, offering them food, water, and a safe, comfortable place to stay.