From reports
The Humane Society of Whitley County has been providing a safe space and medical care for 12 Chihuahuas confiscated by South Whitley Police last week.
In spite of much public interest in the little dogs, shelter leaders issued a public statement last week to reach out to the community.
“None of the dogs are available for adoption due to the ongoing investigation,” they said in a statement on their Facebook page. “It could be weeks or months before the case is through the court system and the dogs are well enough to be adopted. Due to this, we are not accepting applications, nor is there a waitlist. We will post any updates here on our Facebook page when we have them.”
While the animals are not currently being offered for adoption, the expenses associated with their care are mounting and the shelter invites the community to help.
“We are still accepting monetary donations for the continued care of the 12 in our care,” the shelter’s statement continued.
If you’d like to donate toward the care of the 12 confiscated Chihuahuas, visit:
https://hswc.org/ways-to-help/donate
Contributions may also be mailed to the shelter at 951 S. Line Street, Columbia City, Indiana 46725 or dropped off at the shelter during normal business hours.
The Back Story:
Animal Confiscation in Whitley County
On January 10, 2024, the South Whitley Police Department was working an investigation and discovered several dogs living in squalid conditions.
Officers on the scene contacted the Humane Society of Whitley County for assistance. Staff and volunteers from the Humane Society worked to remove 12 chihuahuas, including one pregnant female, from a residence. All of the animals were put in quarantine due to suspected parvovirus contamination.
“All the dogs will continue to need medical treatment and be in our care for months,” said shelter director, Abbi Carroll. “Plus, we have to wait for the case to cleared by the court system.”
According to Carroll, the confiscated dogs were infected with mites, and secondary bacterial and yeast infections. The pregnant female was extremely ill and was receiving around-the-clock care and medical treatment. She gave birth and two of the puppies did not survive. The other two died later. The veterinary team at Line Street Veterinary Hospital is working to save the life of the mother.
“Our community has always rallied around us in our time of need,” said Carroll. “When the chips are down, members of our community always lift us up and we need help right now.”
According to Carroll, the Humane Society has a fund to help with the costs of medical treatment, the “Buddy Fund” was established a few years ago to assist with large medical bills.
“The dogs will need extensive medical care and the shelter is asking for financial donations to cover the cost of medicine and treatments,” she said. “At this point, we don’t need food or supplies, our biggest issue is paying for the mounting medical bills and the medications we need for the 12 dogs. They have a long road to recovery and will be at our shelter for months.”