Animal Control thanks area residents for helping surrendered dogs
Worcester County Animal Control (WCAC) would like to thank area residents for responding to a call issued by them last week to help find homes for eight small dogs surrendered by an area resident. As of Monday, all eight dogs had been adopted.
“As of right now, all eight dogs now have loving new homes,” said Chief Animal Control Officer Susan Rantz, who along with her staff was elated. “We received 45 calls over the weekend from people interested in adopting these little guys, and we just want to say thanks to the community for responding to the call to adopt them.”
Caring for animals requires a long-term commitment, so WCAC strives not only to promote adoption but also works to raise awareness of the proper care and handling of pets, including health and welfare issues such as feeding, registering, vaccinating and spaying and neutering. For more information, please contact Animal Control at (410) 632-1340. test3
Animal Control seizes horses from abandoned farm
Worcester County Animal Control (WCAC) officers seized two horses in December 2007 from an abandoned farm in Snow Hill and charges against the horses’ owner could be pending. WCAC officers confirmed that the horses' owner provided them with no access to food or water.
Acting on tips from area neighbors and motorists that two horses, a mare and stallion, being housed on a farm on St. Luke’s Road had no food or water, WCAC officers were dispatched to the site. Upon their initial investigation, officers confirmed the reports to be true.
“The horses’ primary need at that point was water, and animal control officers carried that water to them in 5-gallon buckets (to sustain their lives) along with food,” said Captain Stuart Murray of the Worcester County Sheriff’s Office, which heads up the WCAC division.
Thursday, Dec. 13, following three weeks of failed attempts to make contact with the horses’ owner, WCAC officers determined that the horses’ lives would be jeopardized if they remained on the property. Sheriff’s Deputies obtained a search warrant, allowing them and Animal Control officers to enter the property and remove the two animals.
“Sheriff’s Deputies served a warrant for the seizure of the horses and accompanied Animal Control officers to the site to remove the horses,” confirmed Captain Murray. “If Animal Control had not intervened the animals probably would have died because they had no access to water.”
Incidences of this nature are not tolerated on any level anywhere in Worcester County, and those who carry out such actions are prosecuted under the full weight and measure of the law.
Under the auspices of the Worcester County Sheriff’s Office, Animal Control Officers have all the powers of a peace officer and are authorized to enforce all state laws regarding cruelty to animals. These officers are expressly charged with the protection of animals under applicable state laws, and the sheriff is charged with the responsibility of cooperating fully and assisting the wardens in enforcement of such laws. Due to the immediate involvement of both Sheriff’s Deputies and Animal Control Officers upon notification of cruelty cases, Worcester County has earned a staunch, no-tolerance policy regarding cruelty to animals.
“Our mission is to ensure that all animals are provided with food, water and shelter,” said Assistant Chief Animal Control Officer Wayne Young. “We don’t just protect domestic animals. We also protect farm animals (horses, cows, goats, etc.), but we don’t have the facilities to house them. When they are seized, we must find a place for them to go.”
Young advised that during the past seven years WCAC has rescued some nine horses from situations involving either abuse or neglect. He advised that though the condition of the two horses involved in this most recent seizure was generally good, it was only because WCAC officers and neighboring property owners had been feeding and watering them for an extended period of time leading up to the rescue.
“It is definitely a fair assessment to say that the horses had been abandoned,” said Young. “To this day the warrant remains stapled to the front door of the home and there has been no sign of activity at the site.”
The fair and equitable treatment of animals is everyone’s duty, and WCAC depends on area residents and visitors to advise them of possible instances of abuse or neglect.
“We depend heavily on the public to call in and report cases of cruelty or neglect,” said Young. “We encourage those who witness the inhumane treatment of animals to contact us, so we can intervene.”
WCAC lacks access to a horse trailer to help with the rescue of horses and other farm animals and is actively seeking volunteers with horse trailers who would be willing to assist in transporting or boarding these graceful creatures as the need arises.
“Right now we have to go out of the county for assistance when these types of cases arise,” said Chief Animal Control Officer Sue Rantz. “It would be extremely beneficial if we were able to find individuals in Worcester County who could help us board, load or even adopt these wonderful animals.”
For more information about the mission of WCAC and how you can get involved, please contact Animal Control at 410-632-1340.
In the event of a disaster:Upon a mandatory evacuation from the emergency broadcasting station our shelter can provide the following for Worcester County residents:
We can accept dogs and cats as a last resort upon availability.
All dogs and cats must be in crate or carrier.We do not accept vicious or aggressive animals.
We must have proper identification, name, medications, owner's name, food/water bowls, contact address, phone number and proof of current vaccinations attached to each carrier.
The owner must provide 5 days of food and medication.
When redeeming your animal proper photo ID must be presented.
You must redeem your pet within 48 hours after the evacuation is lifted or contact made with animal control.
Volunteers would be appreciated during this emergency.
