The Dogs Were Living Outdoors With Little Protection From the Elements
BOSTON and Salem, Mass. Feb. 21, 2023 – Nearly a dozen dogs are resting and recuperating at the Northeast Animal Shelter (NEAS) in Salem after they were rescued from mistreatment in Horry County, South Carolina. The nine dogs arrived in Massachusetts on February 18, as part of a transport of 20 dogs from the same area.
“These dogs were living in very poor conditions,” explained MSPCA-Angell Director of Adoption Centers and Programs and NEAS Executive Director, Mike Keiley. “They were living in outdoor pens and tethered to make-shift shelters with little protection from the elements.”
“We’ve been stretching ourselves thin to help with animal cruelty cases here [in Massachusetts] and across the country,” he added, alluding to recent work the organizations have done in Mississippi and Berkeley County, South Carolina. “But the situation with these dogs was heartbreaking, so we knew we needed to help however we could, regardless of what else is going on.”
A Known Defendant
Every one of the 21 dogs on the property was rescued by local authorities on January 31.
The man allegedly responsible for the dogs’ mistreatment, Herbert Dozier, is being charged with 21 counts of illegal animal care and treatment, according to the Horry County Police Department, which also noted that authorities removed nearly 60 other animals from Dozier’s property last August.
“All things considered, the dogs were in pretty good condition,” elaborated Keiley. “But they still need the TLC and behavior support they were denied in their previous home.”
Help These Dogs!
Caring for these dogs is expected to cost more than $5,000. Those who wish to donate to help offset that cost may do so at www.mspca.org/horrydogs.
The dogs range in age from five-months to 10-years-old and include Beagle, Hound, and Lab mix breeds. They will be available for adoption following their state-mandated quarantine and after receiving any medical attention they may need.
Interested adopters may monitor neas.org/adopt to see when dogs will be available for adoption.
