Police remove 14 animals from GH home

Fri, May 29, 2009

Five dogs and nine cats were removed from a Grand Haven home by police after a late-night call Tuesday of "possible hoarding," according to Harbor Humane Society spokeswoman Abbei Monroe.

Grand Haven Department of Public Safety and the Ottawa County Sheriff's Department's animal control officer removed the animals over the concern of what they call "animal hoarding."

"The interior of the home was in deplorable condition," Monroe said. "The animals were not being properly cared for. All of the dogs are suffering from neglect."

Four of the five dogs are being treated for urine scalding, Monroe said, and all five have toe nails so long they could hardly walk on the pads of their feet. Urine scalding occurs when an animal is forced to sit or lay in his own urine for prolonged periods of time, and the ammonia in the urine actually burns the skin, Monroe explained.

"All 14 of the animals were filthy — some with fur encrusted with feces," Monroe said.

According to Lt. Joe Boyle of the Grand Haven Department of Public Safety, police were originally called to the 400 block of South Ferry Street on May 21 to a complaint of strong odors in the area. The caller told officers the odor was an ongoing problem, Boyle said. However, after pinpointing the home where the odors were coming from, police were unable to make contact with the owner, Boyle said.

Officers were able to contact the owner on Monday and noted a strong odor of urine and fecal matter 15 feet from the house, Boyle said. The owner told officers she had five dogs and 10 cats in the home — one of the cats was not found, Boyle said. A Grand Haven ordinance places a limit of a total of three animals in a residence, Boyle said.

Officers were given permission to enter the home on Tuesday, Boyle said, and found unsanitary and unlivable conditions for animals and — in the officers' opinion — humans.

GHDPS officers contacted Ottawa County Animal Control and the animals' owner voluntarily signed the forms surrendering the animals. No criminal charges have been filed as Friday afternoon, but the investigation is ongoing. Once the investigation is completed, charges could be filed, Boyle said.

The home has been condemned for occupation until improvements are made, Boyle said.

"We're trying to work with (the owner) to get everything sorted out," he said.

Harbor Humane Society is currently housing the dogs and cats.

Monroe said the additional tenants are putting a strain on the overly crowded West Olive animal shelter.

"We're in dire need of special foster homes for these animals," she said. "Due to the severe abuse and neglect these animals have already suffered, certain foster parent conditions will be needed."

Interested adoptive "parents" can fill out an application and will be subject to a home visit and evaluation, according to Monroe.

"Applicants should be aware that the animals will need much veterinarian care through the Humane Society veterinarian, and they will be required to bring the pets back for appointments on a regular and consistent basis," Monroe added.

A three-legged elderly yellow Lab needs a home with minimal stairs, Monroe said. A 10-year-old spaniel has a cataract in one eye and advancing arthritis, and needs a home where she can be taken out for frequent walks. A terrier mix desires a quiet adult home to coax him out of his terrified shell. A calico cat was so stressed from her surroundings, she has licked all her own fur off her belly, Monroe said.

All of the dogs and cats taken from the Grand Haven home this week will need much socialization once their physical health has improved, Monroe said.

Harbor Humane Society is seeking monetary donations to cover the cost of the specialized vet care these animals will need. Most will require antibiotics to heal their skin infections, flea and heartworm medications, arthritis medications, and calming agents.

For more information, contact Lindsey Klomparens at fosters@harborhumane.org. Monetary donations can be sent to Harbor Humane Society at 14345 Bagley St., West Olive, MI 49464; or made online at www.harborhumane.org