AUSTIN, Texas — The Austin Humane Society (AHS) recently took in 57 neglected dogs from a single home.
On Monday, Feb. 13, AHS sent staff to the Bastrop County Animal Shelter to help provide medical evaluations on the animals, which were taken from a single home within the county.
The dogs were then transferred to AHS, where they underwent another evaluation and have been receiving baths and walks from volunteers all week.
The transfer included three senior dogs, 45 adult dogs, five puppies and four puppies under the age of four weeks old. The majority of the dogs were small breeds and are social, according to AHS.
Sarah Hammel, director of community support programs for AHS, said all the dogs came in with limited health problems.
“AHS has been involved in, you know, what we kind of call our emergency response. So anything from floods, hurricanes to situations like this where there's a large group of animals in need, we're always ready to kind of take that on,” Hammel said.
On Friday, AHS will gain official ownership of the animals due to a court ruling.
“Once we gain official ownership of the animals, they will be spayed or neutered and made available for adoption,” said Dr. Katie Luke, chief operations officer for AHS. “We expect the first animals to be available this Saturday, and we’re looking forward to seeing these dogs find the loving homes they deserve.”
Once AHS has ownership of the dogs, they will be available for adoption and will have their profiles on the organization's adoption page.
“These guys are all about 15, 20 pounds, kind of scruffy looking baby poodle schnauzer mixes. And they're ready to find their forever homes,” Hammel said.
If adopting doesn't fit your lifestyle, AHS provides the option for residents to donate to the shelter. Additionally, AHS offers a foster program and volunteer positions for those who would like to take a more active role.
Those who are interested can look through the variety of programs AHS offers.