Neglected Rottweilers Turned Over to Shelters
www.poconorecord.com
February 3, 2007, MIDDLE SMITHFIELD, PENNSYLVANIA - Angel and Granite are out of the cold and on their way to new homes. The Rottweilers chained to trees outside a vacant house in Middle Smithfield Township were surrendered to two rescue groups Friday — one in Westchester County, N.Y., and one near Harrisburg.
An Internet-based outcry about the plight of the pets led local officials to step in. An "action alert" about the neglected dogs was e-mailed to animal welfare groups across the country.
Advocates claimed the Monroe County SPCA wasn't taking sufficient action to help the dogs — especially with frigid temperatures predicted this weekend.
New doghouses, food and water were taken to the property Thursday.
Monroe County Commissioner Donna Asure tracked down the owner of the dogs, who were left at the property after it went up for sheriff's sale.
"I spoke to the attorney for the bank that bought the house last week," she said. "He told me to do whatever was necessary to help these animals."
The dogs' owner, Damon Morris, agreed to surrender them. Barbara Balsama, Monroe SPCA director, refused to comment.
"It's a shame that it took so long to get them out of that situation," said Asure. "The action — or inaction — of the SPCA will be looked into to find out if action is warranted."
Granite, a 3-year-old male, has marks on his neck from the chain he was tied with since he was a puppy, according to neighbor Suzanne Brenner.
"When he was little, he couldn't hold his head up because the chain was so heavy," she said.
Brenner and other neighbors fed the dogs on occasion. "Some people were afraid, but they felt sorry for them," Brenner said. "We did what we could."
Brenner said that she called the SPCA two years ago when the dogs were left outside with no shelter or food during an ice storm in January 2005.
"I thought that someone would do something, but nothing happened. Look at them," she said. "They have no life, no love, no companionship. What kind of life is that?"
She said that she called again recently when it became apparent that nobody was living in the house. Brenner and others who called the SPCA complained that they received a "nasty" response.
Brenner expressed interest in adopting Granite after he is treated and rehabilitated. "He's a sweet dog. Very gentle," she said. "My kids love him."
Granite was taken by Kathleen Slagle of Dogs Deserve Better, a group opposed to chaining dogs outdoors. She will turn him over to Joanna Toms of Rottweiler World near Harrisburg.
Angel was taken by Lisa Hauer and will be taken to Kodi's Club.
Both dogs will be fed, bathed and treated for any health problems. Granite will be neutered and treated for the cuts on his neck. Angel will be spayed. Then they will be socialized, fostered and offered for adoption.
Brenner cried once the dogs were safely on their way. "I just want them to have a happy life," she said. "I know they're safe now."
On the Net: Dogs Deserve Better: www.dogsdeservebetter.com
