HONESDALE, Pa. — The kennels are full at the Dessin Animal Shelter near Honesdale. Last week, 31 dogs and puppies were removed from a home in Gouldsboro after they were found tied up all around the property, with no food or water, some without shelter.
"All of them are undernourished. Most of them have worms, a lot of them aren't socialized at all," said Kathy Adams, a board member at the shelter.
Adams says the shelter is temporarily closed so all of the animals can be cared for. The shelter was full before and now it's over capacity.
"We're lucky that we have some outdoor places. The dogs are used to being outside, but at least now they have some shelter, clean water, food twice a day, warm beds to lay on, which they didn't have at all before," Adams said.
The shelter put out a call for help for donations and supplies. So far, the outpouring of support has been immense.
"They've been coming from Clarks Summit, Tunkhannock, Archbald, and this is what they've done. We're just so grateful because we can't do that without you. From the bottom of all of our hearts, thank you so much," said Adams.
Griffin Pond Animal Shelter near Clarks Summit also stepped in to help by taking four of the dogs.
Adams says cases of animal hoarding are happening far too often. The best way to help is if you see something, say something. These animals will hopefully get the care they need, but the shelter and the animals are still not out of the woods.
"It puts a great strain on the staff, the animals we already have, we're bringing in all these other animals, and it's very stressful for them," said Adams.
It's unclear if charges will be filed in this case.
Monetary donations to help with vet expenses are also welcome. The puppies and adult dogs will not be ready for adoption for quite some time.
The shelter's address is:
Dessin Animal Shelter
138 Miller Drive, Honesdale, PA 18431
You can also visit the Dessin Animal Shelter website for information on how to donate and adoptable cats and dogs.