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Abandoned farm animals seriously neglected

Posted January 13, 2008 10:00 pm

Chris Young

A population explosion of dogs, cats and horses on a Greene County farm recently created what is being described as one of the worst cases of animal neglect in recent years in central Illinois.

The Animal Protective League of Springfield, Illinois Department of Agriculture and Greene County Animal Rescue & Education Society have teamed up to find temporary homes for 18 surviving dogs and get medical help for the sickest ones.

Surgery was required to remove a chain from the neck of one dog because its skin had grown over the chain. The dogs were infested with parasites and were extremely thin.

"It was one of the worst cases I have ever been on," said APL shelter manager Sue Pilger.

"All these animals, mind you, are outside. Many of these dogs were chained to trees. One literally clawed its way into a tree trunk for shelter. It was awful."

Also on the property outside White Hall were three horses, three ponies and an untold number of cats.

The mother of the woman who owned the farm frequently cared for unwanted animals, APL representatives said. When she died, however, her daughter did not have the money to continue the care.

"I think this was more of a situation that people were dumping the animals on this woman," said Pilger. "She had no funds to spay or neuter these animals. She was in a pretty bad situation."

Rose Rebbe, APL's executive director, said the organization receives three to four calls a day regarding possible abuse or neglect.

Usually, the complaints involve pets left outside in hot or cold weather with little food, water or shelter. Volunteers counsel the owners and usually give them a doghouse.

"Fortunately, we have not had a lot of real severe cases here in Springfield," said Rebbe.

In the Greene County case, the sickest dogs - like Richie, the animal that underwent surgery to remove the chain - have been brought to APL. Others are being placed in foster care.

State Department of Agriculture spokesman Jeff Squibb said the agency normally contacts organizations that specialize in caring for horses in cases like this.

APL is seeking donations to help pay for the animals' medical care and housing.

Pilger said the situation highlights the need for people to spay and neuter their pets.

"It's not a pretty outcome," she said. "It's the animals in the end that are suffering."

Chris Young can be reached at (217) 788-1528.

Want to help?

Anyone interested in donating funds or adopting one of the animals should call APL at 544-7387 (PETS).

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