HSUS/Richard Rice Dogs rescued from the Georgia property.

By Kathy Covey

The Humane Society of the United States sent in a six-member Disaster Animal Response Strike Team to help the Georgia Department of Agriculture remove animals suffering potential starvation and alleged neglect from a farm in southwest Georgia Feb. 2. A recent blast of winter weather made removal of the animals to better conditions paramount.

The responders removed thirty-four dogs and 99 horses from a farm in Pike County, Ga., culminating the end of a week-long investigation by the Georgia Department of Agriculture's equine and animal protection sections. The HSUS team transported all the dogs to the Muscogee County Humane Society, in Columbus, Ga., for evaluation, rehabilitation and care until their future is determined. The owner had not yet legally given over custody of the dogs to the shelter.  

The 99 horses were moved to an undisclosed location for security reasons at the request of Georgia state officials. Richard Rice, The HSUS Georgia State Program Manager, said he was "coordinating volunteers to help with the care of the horses while they are in state custody."

HSUS/Randy Covey A few of the 99 horses rescued from cold and hunger.

The Georgia's Department of Agriculture and the Pike County Sheriff's office called on The HSUS to assist when the officials made an eleventh hour decision to seize the animals. The HSUS Disaster Services Department supplied a climate controlled animal transport truck/trailer designed to hold up to 65 dogs and the six Strike Team members. The team helped round up the horses to be trailered out by Sheriff's Department volunteers and loaded up dogs for transport to the Muscogee County Humane Society shelter.

"Our role was to help with the short-term efforts. It is the local folks—who are putting their heart and soul into their efforts to rescue these animals and provide long-term care for them until this situation is resolved—that really deserve to be recognized," said Randy Covey, HSUS Director of Disaster Services.

The HSUS participated as part of a multi-agency task force assisting with the seizure that included: Georgia Department of Agriculture, Equine and Animal Protection Sections; Pike County Sheriff's Office; Cobb County Sheriff's Office; City of Madison Animal Control Department; Atlanta Humane Society; Fayette County Animal Control and DeKalb Animal Services and Enforcement.