Orange County Animal Services Caring For Seized Dogs

Last week, local authorities seized 57 dogs and puppies as part of an animal cruelty investigation.

Now, while two individuals face charges, the dogs are in the hands of Orange County Animal Services.

“Generally, they’re doing pretty well here,” says OCAS spokesperson Tenille Fox. “They’re clean and they’re safe and they’re comfy, and the technicians and doctors are still working with them on a case-by-case basis.”

The dogs were seized from two properties in Orange County, apparently part of a breeding operation. Fox says they came in with a variety of illnesses.

“Anything from skin conditions to eye issues,” Fox says. “They came from conditions which were not suitable; to my knowledge, they were being kept in areas where they were in their own urine and feces.”

Fox says the dogs and puppies are out of danger now, but it has been a challenge for the office to handle such a large influx of animals.

“As you can imagine, when 57 dogs come in at once, that puts a huge strain on not only our staff, but (also) resources here,” Fox says. “We are managing, but it’s challenging and we are very full.”

With that in mind, Fox says Animal Services is asking the public for help.

“If you’re considering surrendering a dog, we ask that if there’s any way possible, you defer,” she says.

And of course you can also help make the shelters less full by adopting an animal yourself. Fox says she’s gotten an “overwhelming” number of inquiries from people who want to adopt the dogs in this case, but they won’t be available at least until the legal case is resolved.

However, Fox says there are many other terrific dogs available right now – and it’s a perfect time to think about bringing one home.

“For one thing, to encourage adoptions, we’re letting you name your price for any of our adoptable dogs and puppies,” she says. “That’s going to go through October, in celebration of Dog Adoption Month.”

And if you want to help out but you’re not ready to adopt a dog, Fox says Animal Services is also accepting donations of money and pet supplies.

“Please be patient with us and try to understand that we are working hard to take care of these animals,” she says.

As for the legal case, 35-year-old Taylor Doar of Chapel Hill now faces animal cruelty charges, along with his mother, 65-year-old Cynthia Riggan. They had their first court appearance earlier this week.

Orange County Animal Services Caring For 57 Dogs Seized In Animal Cruelty Probe

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