The Department of Agriculture (DOA) is expressing its gratitude for the public’s positive response to its appeal for homes for 16 Shih Tzu breed dogs between one and three years old after they were rescued from a home in George Town recently.  The removal of the animals from the home occurred as part of a joint investigation between DOA, the Department of Children and Family Services (DCFS) and the Department of Environmental Health (DoEH).  After being made aware of the very unsatisfactory welfare and sanitary conditions in which the animals were being kept, the owners agreed to voluntarily surrender the animals who were all examined by a veterinarian and appeared to be well fed but very dirty and smelly as a result of the unsanitary conditions. 

“The living conditions in which these animals were found was untenable, and we are grateful to DCFS for alerting us to this situation,” said DOA Director Adrian Estwick.  “We were able to move quickly to remove the animals from the home and are now working with various animal rescue and charity groups in an effort to have as many of the dogs as possible fostered or adopted into loving homes.  One dog was suffering from a chronic eye condition and will need surgery; however we are very pleased to report that it has been fostered by a local veterinarian who will ensure the animal receives the medical treatment and care that it needs.”

Mr. Estwick emphasised that none of the dogs would be euthanised, contrary to a WhatsApp message that has been circulating suggesting that all would be put down.

“I would like to take this opportunity to thank Must Love Dogs for donating grooming services to the small breed dogs and the Humane Society for its continued partnership in these types of rescue operations,” said Mr. Estwick.  “We are happy as all indications are that we will be able to find homes for all these animals soon.”

For more information about adopting or fostering one or more of the rescued dogs, contact the DOA on [email protected] or 947-3093.

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IMAGE: Pets4homes