Dozens of animals seized in Delaware County

DELAWARE, Ohio (WCMH) – Dozens of animals were seized in one day by the Humane Society of Delaware County, and now the staff is caring for them in addition to the animals it already had.

This week’s seizure was in addition to another large intake a few months ago.

Humane Society of Delaware County Executive Director Jana Cassidy said the seizure of 90 animals this week is likely the biggest in the shelter’s history. In total, there are nine dogs and six rabbits, with the rest being a variety of birds. Some of the animals are being cared for at the Humane Society, while others are off-site.

Cassidy said the seizure started with a Humane agent responding to a complaint about injuries to one dog. When they got to the property, the agent noticed the conditions of other animals.

Cassidy said it was obvious some of the animals had injuries or illnesses that were not being treated. She also said there was evidence of cockfighting.

This seizure comes just shy of three months since the Humane Society took in 40 dogs from a home in Sunbury.

"It’s taxing our clinic staff, they’re feeling that pressure,” Cassidy said. “My caretakers are feeling the pressure because they leave at night to a full kennel and they come in the next day to, ‘Here’s an additional five, 10, 15,’ and so my care staff is really feeling that pressure as well. So it’s been a lot and we are struggling, there’s no doubt."

The Humane Society is looking for a variety of help. For more information on how to become involved, click here.