HSOY removes neglected dogs

The Humane Society of Yuma, assisted by the Yuma Police Department, removed 29 dogs from a local residence Thursday afternoon.

The Humane Society of Yuma received an anonymous tip regarding a dog without water, food or shelter in the back yard of a First Avenue residence. An animal control officer arrived on the scene at approximately one in the afternoon. Once on scene, he observed three dogs who were chained to a single tree in the front yard of the residence. A fourth dog was chained to the side of the house while nine more dogs were chained in the back yard. Nearly all of the dogs in the back yard were suffering from malnutrition and were severely emaciated. At that time, the responding officer alerted the Yuma Police Department.

The Yuma Police Department and animal control officers entered the house and found 16 small dogs. The dogs had no access to food or water and the interior of the home was in deplorable conditions. The owner signed the dogs over and all 29 were taken to HSOY for evaluation.

HSOY will evaluate each animal in the coming weeks and decide whether or not these animals will be available for adoption.

"Such cruel mistreatment of animals will not be tolerated by our community," said Annette Lagunas, Director of Operations with the Humane Society of Yuma. "We will be working diligently with the Yuma Police Department to insure that this case properly litigated."