Shelter seeks help after dog rescues

VERMILLION COUNTY, Ind. (WTHI) - A Wabash Valley animal shelter is asking for help after receiving an influx of dogs rescued from a Vermillion County home.

Officials with the Parke-Vermillion County Humane Society said more than 30 dogs had been living at the home, often in messy conditions with little shelter or bedding. They said some of the dogs had been allowed to run free around the area, while others were kept on two-to-four-foot leashes. They said many of the dogs needed basic veterinary care and food.

Workers at the shelter said they were first tipped-off to the conditions of the dogs by a delivery person who had been working in the area.

Humane Society workers said over the past few days, they have worked with the Vermillion County Sheriff’s Department and Prosecutor’s Office, eventually convincing the animals’ owners to voluntarily give up all but five of their dogs.

As of Monday afternoon, Humane Society workers said they had brought 16 dogs from the home to the shelter and were hoping to bring more in the coming days.

The Humane Society’s director told News 10 that, since their shelter is small and since many of the dogs require extra care, the group needs volunteers and donors to help care for the dogs and get them permanent homes.

“Really what we’re going to need are fosters, donations … volunteers to come up,” said director Dareth Stonebraker. “Socialization for the animals that are a little bit anti-social would be really beneficial to us and the animals.”

To volunteer or donate, call the Parke-Vermillion County Humane Society at 765-492-3540.

Officials said the dogs’ owners have not been charged with a crime.