The shelter receives an average of 40 animals a day from the public and animal control officers. Thursday, it took in the 99 dogs from Saucier plus 54 other animals.
“I refuse to euthanize animals that are currently in our shelter just to make room for more to come in,” said Tara High, interim executive director.
JOHN FITZHUGH/SUN HERALD Volunteer Nydia Porter of Pass Christian tries to coax one of the dogs seized from a house in Saucier on Thursday at the Humane Society of South Mississippi in Gulfport on Friday. The dogs have never been on a collar and leash before and didn’t know how to respond.
HSSM made the announcement Friday with a plea for people willing to become “foster parents” for a week or two. Shelter officials want to find temporary housing for the dogs brought in from Saucier to help ease overcrowding.
The dogs are being checked by a veterinarian. HSSM officials want to find 60 to 70 dog lovers who can temporarily care for one of the animals. The dogs can then be put up for adoption or taken elsewhere through the Love Train transport program.
It’s the first time in 58 years the shelter has closed its doors to new arrivals.
The HSSM, which can hold up to 300 dogs, was near capacity before the dogs were seized in Saucier.
Sheriff’s Maj. Tony Sauro said the dogs belonged to Veronica Quinn, 67, who lives with her husband and son. Quinn was cited on 99 counts of animal cruelty. She was not arrested but must appear in court at a later date.
Sauro said the seizure was in response to complaints about the number of dogs and their conditions.
The dogs are medium- to large-sized and represent a variety of breeds. Officials said some have skin or eye infections that are easily treatable. Some are sunburned. One is hairless and covered with scabs and open sores.
Another had just given birth to one puppy and went into distress when officers tried to move her. HSSM officials performed CPR and the dog delivered another eight puppies. One of the pups died. Officials are looking for someone to take the mama dog and her litter until the pups can be weaned.
Officials said foster homes can help save the dogs’ lives until permanent homes can be found.
“It is a short-term commitment that will change a pet’s life forever,” High said. “These dogs deserve a second chance at life.”
Most of the dogs “just need some tender loving care,” said Jode Braxton-Hignight, HSSM director of development.
Twenty-seven kennels were set up in one room Friday and other kennels lined hallways as volunteers and staff members gave the dogs vaccinations and baths and alternated taking them outside for walks. The Sheriff’s Department sent several trusties to help.
Shelter officials also urge animal lovers who are considering adoption to do it now.
The shelter also is asking for donations to help cover medical treatment along with donations of towels, sheets and blankets.
