<< BACK

Petsmart Charities® Sends Emergency Relief to Scene of Alleged Animal Neglect

Wisconsin officials report more than 350 animals in need of assistance

View photos of this Emergency Relief Waggin' program effort at www.petsmartcharities.org/programs/ERinAction.php 

(Phoenix) – PetSmart Charities is on the scene of a large-scale animal rescue effort in Wisconsin, ensuring hundreds of rescued pets have enough food and supplies.

The animal-rescue effort began yesterday and continued today in Cazenovia, Wis., where more than 350 animals including dogs, horses, fowl, livestock and other small animals were taken from a self-described “animal rescue and sanctuary.”

PetSmart Charities dispatched its Emergency Relief Waggin’® on May 15 from the PetSmart® Distribution Center in Ottawa, Ill. at the request of the Richland County Sheriff’s Department. The vehicle is set up at the Dane County Humane Society in Madison, Wis., where rescuers are caring for the animals. The vehicle is stocked with 16 tons of supplies, valued at $60,000, including 26 pallets of dog food, wire crates, plastic carriers, bowls and leashes. The vehicle also comes stocked with items such as fans, a generator, tents, a battery charger and lights to aid the animal rescuers on scene.

“Our Emergency Relief Waggin’ program offers assistance in these situations to help pets who need immediate care and attention,” said Susana Della Maddalena, executive director of PetSmart Charities. “In many cases, these pets will experience, for the first time, what it’s like to be well fed, comfortable, clean and cared for. Our hope is that over time, the pets rescued from cruelty cases, low-quality breeders and hoarders can be rehabilitated and placed into the caring homes they deserve.”

The rescued animals included Scottish terriers and Labrador mixes. The dogs were reportedly suffering from serious medical ailments and housed in feces-ridden, unheated barns and outdoor structures. Some of the dogs had severely matted fur and serious skin infections, witnesses said.

“Seeing animals subjected to this level of neglect is truly heartbreaking,” added Della Maddalena. “We applaud the efforts of the local and national animal and law enforcement agencies involved in this rescue operation."

The animals are being transported to the nearby emergency shelter set up by The Humane Society of the United States (HSUS) and United Animal Nations (UAN) at Dane County Humane Society. Once at the shelter, the dogs will be checked by a team of veterinarians and given any necessary immediate medical care.

PetSmart Charities established its Emergency Relief Waggin’ program in 2007 to assist the animal victims of natural and manmade disasters nationwide. Members of the public who would like to support PetSmart Charities’ Emergency Relief Waggin’ program can make a tax-deductible donation in one of two ways:

1. Make a credit card donation via the PetSmart Charities Web site at: www.petsmartcharities.org/donate/emergency-relief.php;
2. Mail a check earmarked for “Emergency Relief” directly to:  PetSmart Charities, Attn: Emergency Relief; 19601 N. 27th Avenue, Phoenix, Ariz., 85027.

Funds raised will be used to aid pets affected by this and future Emergency Relief Waggin’ program efforts when pets are affected by natural and man-made disasters.

View photos of this Emergency Relief Waggin' program effort at www.petsmartcharities.org/programs/ERinAction.php 

Learn more about the Emergency Relief Waggin’ program at www.petsmartcharities.org/programs/emergency-relief.php

About PetSmart Charities, Inc.
PetSmart Charities, Inc. is an independent 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that creates and supports programs that save the lives of homeless pets, raise awareness of companion animal welfare issues, and promote healthy relationships between people and pets. Since 1994, PetSmart Charities has funded more than $87 million in grants and programs benefiting animal welfare organizations and, through its in-store pet adoption program, has helped save the lives of more than 3.5 million pets. To learn more about how PetSmart Charities is working to help find a lifelong, loving home for every pet, visit www.petsmartcharities.org// or call 1-800-423-PETS.