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Pets saved from extreme hoarding, breeding
Dozens of dogs and cats were rescued from an extreme hoarding and breeding operation in Flowery Branch. Officials say the owner fled with hundreds more. FOX 5 spoke to the Humane Society now caring for the animals left behind.
HALL COUNTY, Ga. - The Humane Society of Northeast Georgia and Hall County Animal Services recently rescued 62 dogs and cats from an "extreme hoarding and breeding operation" in Flowery Branch, according to a Facebook post.
The Hall County Animal Services rescued 47 cats and 15 dogs on November 21 from a home in the 6000 block of Blackjack Road in Flowery Branch.
"It’s hard for us to imagine how someone could treat animals the way these animals had been treated, and it's for money, it's for-profit and that's the hardest part is knowing that these living beings who have a soul who have emotions just like we do are being used for profit," said Allison Mayfield, president and CEO of the Humane Society of Northeast Georgia.
HSNG says that the animals range in age from 3 days old to 8 years old and the owner fled with more than 150 additional dogs and cats.
"They're all still very friendly, very eager to have that human interaction, but they're going to come with some emotional baggage and so patience is going to be necessary," said Mayfield.
The humane society is currently treating the animals for various illnesses and infections. Most of the cats are being treated for upper respiratory infections. Two of the cats are pregnant and will be placed in foster care until after the birth of kittens. All the animals are receiving preventative treatment and will be spayed or neutered before being offered for adoption.
"Our cats have overwhelmingly presented with upper respiratory disease...that combination of that facial shape can in and of itself make them more predisposed to having some chronic nasal discharge, some chronic goopy eyes," said veterinarian Cook English.
"It’s evident that all of these animals have survived a lifetime of neglect while their owner profited from cruelty," said Allison Mayfield, president and CEO of HSNEGA. "Despite how they have been treated, they are eager for human interaction and affection. We are deeply grateful for the opportunity to help end this cycle of cruelty and focus on the next, better chapter of their lives."
They are asking for help to take care of the animals. If you would like to donate, click here.