In a county with no animal shelter and no access to animal shelter services, volunteers with the River Valley Humane Society's Crawford County Animal Rescue Team worked to free chained dogs from mud and water.
On February 23, the organization received a complaint about neglected dogs tied to trees. Upon visiting the property, responders said they observed dogs chained, standing in mud and water with dog excrement flowing down the slope.
According to the organization, none of the dogs had a dry place to stand or lie down. The few dog houses on the property were reportedly crumbling and had at several inches of mud inside.
One indoor puppy, the only surviving pup of a recent litter, was taken immediately to McDonald Veterinary Clinic for care.
RVHS President Tanya Tuell said, "We see the suffering of these animals on a regular basis, and we are sick of it."
On Saturday, volunteers began removing dogs.
"We want to make sure every dog has dry secure shelter and room to run and play," Tuell said.
