PALATKA, Fla. – More than 200 dogs have been rescued from a hoarding scenario in Putnam County this week. The dogs, who have been saved and briefly transferred into the care of Putnam County Animal Control, have been then given away in a “free public adoption.”
But, a Tampa rescue group, “Rags to Riches,” mentioned it was unethical to not vet the brand new house owners and that this might create extra issues.
“We’re frightened about yard breeders, abuse, non-proper coaching and getting hit, overcrowding into rescues,” mentioned Sierra Hancock of Rags to Riches Animal Rescue.
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The Rags to Riches rescue claims the plan was to give all 200 dogs to reputable rescues in the Tampa Bay area – including theirs – but they were suddenly given to the public without warning.
But, the Putnam County Sheriff’s workplace, who partnered with animal management for the adoptions on Friday, mentioned that’s not the case.
“[The dogs] had all been seen by a veterinarian, all of them had obtained vaccinations, together with rabies, distemper, de-wormers … and all the adopters needed to signal agreements that they might be neutered inside 30 days [if of age],” mentioned Colonel Joe Wells with the Putnam County Sheriffs Office.
PCSO mentioned data have been stored of everybody that took a canine home, and that there shall be follow-ups with these new house owners within the subsequent few weeks to ensure dogs have been neutered.
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The sheriff’s workplace mentioned solely 40 of the 206 dogs got to the general public on Friday. The relaxation went to particular rescues for medical wants.
“I do really feel animal companies have completed their due diligence to ensure these animals go to protected houses,” mentioned Wells.
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