A hallway lined with caged parrots, one with a wounded wing. A tabby cat hunched over in a cage with a painful, ulcerated eye. An eyeless dog with an injured ear suffering from dehydration, an oozing abrasion and severe dental disease. These are just some of the animals our animal rescue team helped bring to safety on Tuesday after authorities served a search and seizure warrant at a house in Clyde, Ohio.
The strong stench of ammonia accompanied the team’s search for animals, several of whom were obviously in discomfort or pain. Many of the animals throughout the property were suffering from severe dental disease, painful ear infections, and fresh and old wounds. Dozens of cats, some with apparent upper respiratory illnesses characterized by eye and nasal discharge, were found in adjoining rooms. Several rabbits were living in the basement on concrete flooring covered in feces and urine.
Meredith Lee/Humane World for Animals
Meredith Lee/Humane World for Animals
Meredith Lee/Humane World for Animals
The living conditions and health of the animals made it all the more unthinkable that the residence was owned by a licensed veterinarian. Whatever the original motivation or circumstances, this was a situation that had clearly deteriorated, and animals should never be forced to suffer from a lack of desperately needed care. So, we were glad to respond to the request for assistance that came from local authorities, and we are dedicated to helping the animals and community by providing expert assistance and care.
“A veterinarian has the knowledge and expertise to recognize when animals need help,” said Dr. Michelle Gonzalez, a forensic veterinary consultant for Humane World for Animals and Ohio representative for our Humane Veterinary Medical Alliance. “This is a shocking anomaly.”
In the basement of the home, there was an examination table with drops of dried blood and dirty pawprints. A surgical tray next to the table contained used needles and sutures alongside various medications, some unlabeled. Deceased cats, dogs and a guinea pig were found throughout multiple freezers on the property. Necropsies will be conducted to determine cause of death.
Over 100 animals were rescued during the deployment, with the Sandusky County Sheriff’s Office, Humane Society of Sandusky County, Happy Trails Farm Animal Sanctuary and our own Humane World for Animals team working together. After helping with handling the animals and transporting them to an undisclosed location for their safety and security, we are continuing to assist with their care, along with RedRover, Green Dogs Unleashed and Happy Trails Farm Animal Sanctuary.
These animals are receiving veterinary treatment and new names—the eyeless dog has been named Murdock. Treatment plans vary from addressing painful dental disease, abscesses, ulcers, ear infections, dehydration and more. Several animals, including Murdock, have required emergency hospitalization for round-the-clock monitoring. Our team is dedicated to ensuring all their needs are met.
Our goal is to end animal cruelty, and that means not just responding to crises like this one but working to prevent animals from ever ending up in such situations. We’re determined to create a world where companion animals have the warm, loving homes and good care they deserve throughout their lives.
