Hey everyone, Here is an unfortunate update to the rescue situation for the 91 dogs from WV. I just got the following email from Sue and we are all a bit worried at this point. I will let it speak for itself.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Sunday June !! 2006 7:00 pm
Hi All,
It's with deep regret and frustration that I have to tell you that the effort to rescue dogs from the situation at the home of Helen Franklin of Spencer, WV, seems to have come to a stand still. Phone calls are not being accepted nor returned, and Helen refuses to work with the local humane authorities, who have guaranteed that animals relinquished to the shelter ( for evaluation, grooming, and match up of transports ) would not be put to death.
As you may or may not know, the fear of any animals being euathanized is what has precipitated this tragedy thus far. There are apx 91 dogs, and ( suspect ) @ 40 cats confined to the house. You can well imagine the conditions. Although Helen truly works tirelessly to try to provide care and love for these animals, no one person can do it alone. The situation is critical.
Sadly, some of the dogs may now be going to places/people equally as incapable of providing for their needs as at Helen's, or, worse ...
I encourage any of you to reach out to Helen directly and perhaps you'll have better luck in assuring her that you would be to assist in the adoption of some dogs. Her number is 304-927-1709.
When I last spoke with the sheriff, he granted Helen time to work with us on a game plan to remove the majority of animals from her property into bonafide shelters and rescues. Many, many hours of communication with shelters, rescue organizations, and private homes across the states to prepare the way for transport have been for not, unless the authorities decide to continue with the original plan to seize the animals.
Sadly, due to the numbers, this task, all at once, will be daunting and traumatic for the animals. However, continuing to live in the conditions that they are currently subjected to is not in the best interest of the animals, by far. At least 30 dogs are confined inside a darkened, filthy barn and shed, chained to a wall on short, heavy chain without ability to get out of their own feces and urine.
In the event that Sheriff Cole executes the search warrant and takes possession of the animals, we will resume plans to match the dogs up with homes and shelters. In the meantime, please, again, feel free to call Helen and offer your assistance. Perhaps you'll have better luck, and the animals will be the winners.
I thank you all for your willingness to step in and help ... if I hear anything else, I'll be in touch immediately and we can proceed with our plans.
Sue
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
I Must apologise that I did not think the situation was quite as bad as it is. At this point we can only wait and prey.
Thanks,..
Cloud
