Rachel Hoskins - rhoskins@thefranklinpress.com
Mitchell County Animal Rescue (MCAR) is asking for help after rescuing 45 dogs from a single home Wednesday, Oct. 11.
Amber Lowery, MCAR executive director, said the Mitchell County Sheriff’s Office had received multiple complaints about the situation. During an investigation they found 45 dogs on the property.
“Most of the dogs are healthy and well fed,” said Lowery. “There are no serious issues. A few had injuries and a couple are being treated for heart worms. Most are microchipped”
“This is just a situation where the person helped a few people with dogs trying to take care of them and then it just became overwhelming,” she said. “Taking care of 45 dogs just became too much for one person to handle.”
The dogs are currently being housed in an emergency shelter at the new sheriff’s office location in Bakersville, where they’ve yet to begin remodeling.
How you can help
Lowery said trying to run two shelters, the MCAR shelter in Spruce Pine and the emergency shelter in Bakersville, is challenging. It requires more manpower and supplies.
The biggest need – boots on the ground.
“We could use volunteer dog walkers and cleaners at both locations,” said Lowery. “Volunteers can help with laundry, dishes, organizing supplies. We also need a good photographer to take nice pictures of the dogs to help us with adoptions.”
Specific supplies needed are: disinfectant wipes, rubber gloves for cleaning as well as exam gloves and high quality dog food. Supplies can be dropped off at the MCAR office in Spruce Pine, 2492 US Highway 19E, Spruce Pine, or at the Mitchell News-Journal office at 261 Locust Ave.
Any food that is not used will be passed on to the pet food bank.
Lowery said MCAR is working with other rescue groups in the area in hopes they will be able to take some of the dogs.
“We already had about 36 dogs available for adoption at the shelter,” said Lowery. “We hope some of the rescued dogs will be available for adoption by the end of the week. But, we have plenty of animals looking for good homes now.”
If you can volunteer, please call MCAR at 828-765-6952.