NO CHARGES FOR THE OWNER AS SHE HAD BEEN HIT RECENTLY WITH MORE THAN ONE HARDSHIP

Local law enforcement officers rescued a litter of puppies from a home and that they are now recovering after an alert neighbor stepped up by phoning in a tip to police before the pups got any worse in their helpless condition.

According to Lawrence County Constable Daniel Castle, he himself,  as well as Lawrence County Sheriff Department deputies, responded to a home near Martha on state Route 1715, not far from the Lawrence/Morgan County line. Constable Castle found six hound mixes in bad shape Wednesday, just skin and bones. The mother was in better shape.

But after conducting an investigation and talking with the dogs’ owner, no charges were filed. Constable Castle said the starvation was not intentional. He said it was a single mom with small kids and a broken-down vehicle, just running out of options.

“I’m not looking to get anyone in trouble in that situation.” “I am looking to rectify that situation. How can we help with these puppies?” Constable Castle said. 

Castle said the situation is happening more and more, thanks to low temperatures and high bills.

“We do get more phone call during the winter months than any time of year,” Castle stated.

Authorities credit an alert neighbor for phoning in a tip, alerting them to the situation.

But even better is someone in need calling in the problem themselves.

LOCAL GUARDIAN ANGEL FOR LOCAL ANIMALS IN DESPERATE NEED

Animal rescuer Karen Salvaterra got the call Wednesday night January 2. Salveterra is the founder of Pleasant Springs Farm Animal Rescue in Blaine, and she is a board member of the Lawrence County Humane Society.

“It never gets easy,” Salvaterra said. “No matter how many times, you don’t understand it. There’s no reason for this.”

Ms. Salvaterra said the problem is only getting worse. In fact, she resorted that she has saved 33 animals from around the local area in the first three days of 2019;  almost a dozen a day.

Among the reasons, a drug epidemic draining money that could have been used on necessities like dog food.

Karen Salvaterra said the situation is not unique. But fortunately, these rescued pups taken by officers are friendly and affectionate.

“They cared for these dogs,” she said. “This is why we do what we do because I know these puppies will have the best of everything.” Salvaterra stated.

When Ms. Salvaterra went to collect the litter Wednesday, she was unable to find three of the puppies. She was told the pups owner had a friend drop off food Tuesday night.

Karen Salvaterra plans to take all the puppies to Camp Jean, an animal rescue center near Lexington which specializes in cases of the most needy animals.

Constable Castle said it’s prevalent but preventable. He and Salvaterra said it is important to spay and neuter pets, something that will be done for all the dogs involved in this case.

In the end, animal rescuers and law enforcement authorities hope that with this specific case with these deeply malnourished puppies, is that it serves as a warning to all pet owners in a similar place of need.

IF ANYONE WOULD NEEDS TO HAVE ANY PETS, ANIMALS THAT YOU ARE UNABLE TO CARE FOR, KNOW OF ANY PETS OR ANIMALS THAT ARE BEING MISTREATED OR IN DESPERATE NEED; OR IF YOU WOULD LIKE TO DONATE ANIMAL FOOD, SUPPLIES, OR EVEN DONATE MONEY, YOU CAN CONTACT THE PLEASANT SPRINGS FARM ANIMAL RESCUE INC. – BY  GOING TO THEIR WEBSITE.

In addition; if you have any information about possible criminal abuse and mistreatment of pets and any animals, please call your local law enforcement authorities.