The community has rallied around the 150-plus small dogs rescued from an Ogden home, offering support and assistance to Weber County Animal Services staff as they care for the animals ahead of putting them up for adoption or foster placement. The dogs, mostly small and mixed-breed, were removed from a home in the 3000 block of Jefferson Avenue in an operation that began on Tuesday evening and continued into the early hours of Wednesday morning. The owner of the dogs, who cooperated with authorities, has relinquished ownership to Weber County Animal Services and Weber County, with no charges currently being pursued.
Aid Arrives in the Form of Donations
The community has come together to provide assistance to Weber County Animal Services, with donations pouring in from various organizations and individuals. The Humane Society of Utah has sent some of the dogs to be examined, vaccinated, spayed, and neutered, while the Golden Bark Foundation, Friends of Weber County Animal Services, and other organizations have donated supplies, food, and labor to help care for the animals.
- The Humane Society of Utah has also sent a pair of veterinarians to assist with the care of the animals.
- Volunteers from Golden Bark Foundation have been providing support and helping with the bathing of the dogs.
- Friends of Weber County Animal Services has donated supplies, food, and labor to help with the care of the animals.
Aid from Local Rescue Organizations
Local rescue organizations, such as Mountain Mama Pyrs and Pups, have also gotten involved in helping with the care and adoption of the dogs. A volunteer with the organization, Lisa Peterson, was on the scene when the dogs were rescued and estimates that some could be put up for adoption as early as next week.
- Mountain Mama Pyrs and Pups will provide foster care and assistance with the adoption process.
- They will also help with the grooming and nail trimming of the dogs before they can be adopted.
Efforts to Care for the Animals
Weber County Animal Services staff are working long hours to care for the animals, with the help of donations and volunteers from the community. The facility is packed, with the animals placed in storage spaces and garages.
| Donors | Items Donated |
|---|---|
| The Humane Society of Utah | Examination, vaccination, spaying, and neutering services |
| The Golden Bark Foundation | Supplies, food, and labor |
| Friends of Weber County Animal Services | Supplies, food, and labor |
| Mountain Mama Pyrs and Pups | Foster care and assistance with the adoption process |
Update on the Case
The police investigation into the matter is complete, with the case now in the hands of prosecutors. It is expected that charges will be determined by the beginning or middle of next week. “We put out a call on social media to recruit, specifically, funds to buy the staff food and energy drinks… while they’re working all these long extra shifts.”
— Seth Schilling, Executive Director of Golden Bark
The community’s response to the crisis has been overwhelming, with many expressing gratitude for the efforts of those involved in caring for the animals.
A Message from Weber County Commissioner Sharon Bolos
Weber County Commissioner Sharon Bolos visited the county-owned facility on Wednesday and saw the animals, none of which had to be euthanized. She reported that the dogs are in relatively good shape given the circumstances and that most will ultimately be adoptable. “They’re fairly healthy,” she said. “I think most will ultimately be adoptable. They’re all smaller, mixed-breed dogs.”
The commissioner’s visit highlighted the community’s efforts to support the animals and the staff at Weber County Animal Services.
A Reminder to Be Cautious of Dog Hoarding Scams
As the community comes together to help the dogs, it’s also important to remember that dog hoarding is a serious issue that can have devastating consequences for animals and the people involved. It’s essential to be cautious of scams and to report any suspicious activity to the authorities.
