100 animals seized in Kemper County

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March 10, 2010

from staff reports The Meridian Star The Meridian Star Wed Mar 10, 2010, 08:30 AM CST

MERIDIAN —     The Humane Society of the United States and the Mississippi Animal Rescue League assisted the Kemper County Sheriff’s Department in the seizure of more than 100 dogs and several cats in Preston on Tuesday.

    United Animal Nations also assisted in the rescue of animals in this case of alleged cruelty.

    The animals were removed from Raven’s Hope Animal Sanctuary, a non-profit organization that claims to offer animals for adoption. The seizure is the largest known animal rescue in Kemper County.

    Raven's Hope was being run by Virginia Robinson at her residence on Highway 495, and has been in operation for about seven years.

     “We are immensely impressed with Sheriff (James) Moore for his dedication in this case, and his commitment to seek justice for these defenseless animals under Mississippi law,” said Adam Parascandola, director of Animal Cruelty Issues for The HSUS. “Whether Raven’s Hope started with good intentions, it is now clear that the organization is unable to properly care for this number of animals, and we want to make sure they get the care they deserve.”

     When responders arrived on the scene they found breeds ranging from hound mixes to Labrador retriever mixes housed throughout the 3-acre property. A veterinarian on the scene determined that many of the dogs suffered from medical ailments such as skin infections, untreated wounds and other serious ailments. They were being housed in feces-ridden outdoor pens and inside the cramped, unsanitary home, according to a news release from the HSUS.

     The rescue was set into motion by the Kemper County Sheriff’s Department, which received numerous tips about cruel conditions and neglected animals in need of veterinary care and reached out to The HSUS for assistance with animal handling, transportation, sheltering and much-needed supplies. The HSUS then called in United Animal Nations to provide animal care and sheltering support. PetSmart Charities donated food and other supplies to the rescue efforts.

    Mississippi Animal Rescue League provides assistance to animals in need throughout the state and assisted in Tuesday’s rescue mission.

    “Many organizations and shelters in Mississippi, including the Animal Rescue League, are on the front-lines every day helping homeless animals in our state. There are no easy answers to Mississippi’s pet over-population problem but when animals are suffering, we can’t turn away,” said Debra Bosewell, director of the Mississippi Animal Rescue League.

    All of the animals are being safely removed and transported to an emergency shelter where they will be examined by a team of veterinarians and receive any necessary immediate medical care. The HSUS, with assistance from United Animal Nations, will provide the daily care of the animals until their disposition is determined by a court.

    "United Animal Nations volunteers are working hard to get the animals settled and cared for," said Stacy Harris, UAN field leader. "They seem to be acclimating nicely and are beginning to interact with their caretakers. We are even seeing many happily wagging tails."

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