Humane Society takes in 61 animals in one day after Goshen Rescue
ELKHART COUNTY, Ind. -- A search warrant executed Monday by the Goshen Police Department led to the removal of three juveniles and the rescue of dozens of neglected animals from a home, in what became one of the largest single-day intakes for the Elkhart County Humane Society.
Officers and animal welfare workers entered the home at 100 block of Roxbury Park and removed 23 dogs and two cats, in addition to three juveniles.
Authorities described the interior as covered in feces and infested with bugs, with dogs confined to cages and soaked in urine.
According to police, Laura Duncan initially reported having six dogs in the residence. Investigators ultimately found 24 dogs, including one found deceased in a trash bag.
The large-scale rescue contributed to a surge in animals at the shelter.
“We brought in 61 animals in one day,” said Maria Waltersdorf, Community Development Manager for the Elkhart County Humane Society, “Unfortunately, that’s 25% of the animals we have in our care.”
Waltersdorf said many of the animals were in poor condition and required immediate care.
“The intake process for a case like this is an all-hands-on-deck situation,” she said.
In response to the influx, the humane society is working to free up kennel space by offering waived-fee adoptions through Saturday, May 2.
Adoption fees for dogs weighing more than 40 pounds are being waived, and adoptions include:
- Leash, harness and collar
- Bag of food
- 6 months of heartworm preventative
Cat adoption fees are also waived, and adopters will receive a cardboard carrier if needed.