Following the rescue of over twenty animals from a hoarding situation in Westmoreland County, these creatures will soon be in need of loving homes.
In a home in Murrysville, there were approximately ten dogs of different types, two cats, two ferrets, a parakeet, a bunny, guinea pigs, mice, and hamsters that were living in hazardous conditions. These animals are now safe and warm.
According to Hannah Novak, who is a member of the board of directors for All But Furgotten, the nonprofit rescue organization received a compassionate call for the facility the previous week. During the evening of Sunday, their volunteer humane officers carried out a welfare check and carried out a search warrant.
“Not only clutter but there was feces, urine, just a lot of garbage all over the place so then the animals were living in their own feces as well,” Novak stated.
The dogs that were rescued, according to her, included two yellow labs, one black lab, a lab pit mix, two lab pit mixes, two huskies, a pit bull, a puggle, and another pit mix. Another pit mix was also saved.
“Lots of the dogs, most of the dogs were kept in crates in the basement. It was very unsanitary conditions, deplorable conditions, which poses a health hazard not only for the animals but also for the humans themselves,” she continued.
The fact that there was no heat in the house made the situation even more difficult.
“So, with especially these temperatures dropping, it was really imperative to get them out. Not only because of the unsanitary conditions but because it was so cold and there was no heat to the home,” Novak stated.
To receive medical attention, each of the twenty-one animals will be taken to the veterinarian. According to her, some of them are in critical condition and require immediate medical attention.
“We have a couple of dogs that are in need of some medical care. We have one in particular who already has a medical foster lined up. He is pretty emaciated,” Novak stated.
“The ferrets, some of them are on the skinnier side, as well as the mice and the hamsters. They’re in pretty rough shape, eye infections from the unsanitary conditions,” she continued.
According to Novak, circumstances such as this are never simple, and hoarding issues have grown all too typical in recent years.
“I think we have to recognize as a community that hoarding is a mental illness. And while it is considered neglect and the animals suffer, we will fight for that. It’s a double-edged sword because, I mean, these people need help as well. So, we are making efforts to get them help as well. Because once it gets to a certain point too, it’s hard to ask for help,” she stated.
Novak is eagerly anticipating the life changes that will occur in the animals.
For the purpose of providing assistance, the smaller animals were taken in by the Ninth Life Rescue Center, and All But Furgotten is taking care of the canines, all of whom are quite friendly.
“They are happy to see people. They’re happy to run in a yard and get some fresh air. So, I just hope they all find a loving home where they cannot be in a crate all the time. They can have a yard and a couch and really just get all the love and care they deserve,” Novak stated.
It was a collaborative effort, she remarked. The animals were seized with assistance from the Westmorland County animal response team, or CART, and the Murrysville Police Department.
They are currently seeking foster parents to adopt the animals, but all must be placed under a 10-day quarantine. You can submit an application if you’re interested. The spay or neuter will be handled by All But Furgotten.
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Since the nonprofit rescue depends entirely on contributions, you can also help them by making a donation.
Details about adoption, foster care, and donations are available on the All But Furgotten website.
