Placer County Animal Services personnel today served a warrant on a Meadow Vista residence and took into protective custody 13 Afghan Hounds from the premises. The seizure came after an ongoing investigation raised questions about the health and care of the animals.
Last month, a dog owner at this residence voluntarily surrendered 28 Afghans to Animal Services. That surrender came after Animal Services received a complaint regarding the welfare of the dogs. Realizing this breed of dogs requires specialized care Animal Services enlisted the support of Afghan Hound rescue groups. Shortly after the animals were received by Animal Services, they were transferred to these rescue groups who have subsequently had the animals examined by veterinarians. The rescuers have noted that the animals were in worse health than was originally believed.
Tapping into this valuable rescue resource has helped place 20 dogs in foster care where the animals are having their medical needs addressed. These groups will eventually find appropriate, permanent homes for the hounds. The remaining eight dogs are puppies and are currently at the Placer County Animal Shelter. All 28 dogs were relinquished to Placer County Animal Services and there are no plans to return them to their previous owners.
"We have had an ongoing investigation since the initial complaint was filed and continued to monitor the animals that remained at the premise," said Michael Winters, Animal Services Manager. "Animal Control officers were attempting to work with the owners of the dogs to ensure that the hounds that remained on the property were receiving necessary veterinary care to help correct medical conditions, were licensed, and were being kept in clean and humane conditions.”
The 13 dogs that were seized today will be evaluated by a veterinarian and treated for any medical conditions. They will be housed at the Placer County Animal Shelter in Auburn.
“The priority of Placer County Animal Services has always been the welfare of animals,” said Winters. “We are very grateful for the help that the animal rescue groups have given. The loving care they have given to the animals has been invaluable to us.”