28 Yorkshire terriers were pulled out of their own private nightmare after neighbors filed complaints in Gulfport Mississippi. Covered with fleas, the dogs were living in urine-soaked rooms with the floor coming apart.
The Yorkshire terriers were taken to the local Humane Society shelter, along with a Labrador retriever mix and a ragged-looking cockatoo.
Gulfport police arrested James G. Wright, 59, of Gulfport on 30 counts of condition of premises where dogs are kept, 21 counts of failure to provide rabies vaccinations and 1 count of conditional animal permit, according to the Sun Herald .
The Humane Society of South Mississippi, which assisted in removing the dogs on Tuesday morning, said that they were living in, “a non-conducive environment and bred for profit.”
The complaint began on March 6, when an animal control officer was notified of conditions about the a house in the 2500 block of Fifth Avenue in Gulfport.
Wright, at that time, was instructed to decrease the number of animals on the property. Follow-up visits with Wright showed that he was not resolving the overcrowding problem. A search warrant was issued Tuesday.
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When they entered the house, police found 20 adult Yorkshire terriers dogs, eight Yorkshire terrier puppies, an adult Labrador mix and a cockatoo. The animals were confiscated, and Wright was arrested.
Wright has since been released on summons to appear in court, on misdemeanor charges through Gulfport Municipal Court, officials said.
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Since Wednesday, the Humane Society of South Mississippi (HSSM) has been bombarded with calls from people asking about the Yorkies and what they can do to help, according to Marketing Specialist Maren Slay.
“It’s just an overwhelming response. People want to adopt them, and people are bringing in donations.”
The response is not surprising, since the Yorkshire terrier is widely adored. It ranks as the number seven dog breed in popularity in the United States, according to the American Kennel Club .
“…A long-haired toy terrier whose blue and tan coat is parted on the face and from the base of the skull to the end of the tail and hangs evenly and quite straight down each side of body. The body is neat, compact and well proportioned. The dog’s high head carriage and confident manner should give the appearance of vigor and self-importance.”
Bubbles & Bows, a pet grooming shop in Gulfport, was at the shelter Wednesday morning giving the 28 dogs “haircuts and makeovers,” Slay told the Sun Herald .
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The HSSM is drafting an email to facilitate replies to all the inquiries. They have shared an excerpt.
“The Humane Society of South Mississippi has been inundated with calls and emails inquiring about the rescued Yorkies that are in our care.
“Currently, the dogs are being thoroughly evaluated, vaccinated, spayed/neutered. Once their medical needs have been addressed, we will release their adoption availability date on our Facebook page (www.facebook.com/myhssm) and website (www.hssm.org). At this time, we estimate that they will be available for adoption in 1-2 weeks. The adoption of these dogs will be on a first-come, first-serve basis on this designated date, and we will not have a waiting list or any ‘holds’ on animals.”
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“We are working diligently to provide these dogs with the care that they need and deserve. Please be patient with us during this time and continue to visit our Facebook page and website frequently for updates regarding their status.”
HSSM added that, besides the dozens of rescued Yorkshire terriers confiscated from Wright, there were 35 other animals from various locations taken in on Tuesday. HSUS said that the addition “will place a significant strain on the organization’s resources.”
The shelter is bursting at the seams with 300 animals that need homes.
[Image via Alta Oosthuizen/Shutterstock]
