ASPCA Transports Neglected Animals Rescued From Alabama Shelter to 10 States Across U.S.

Moulton, Ala.—Following a successful two-day adoption event, which drew more than 900 people and found homes for more than 200 animals, the ASPCA^® (American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals^®) is transporting the remaining animals rescued in late June from Lawrence County Animal Shelter in Moulton, Ala., to various animal welfare agencies in 10 states across the country.

“We were thrilled to see so many people come out to our adoption event and give these animals loving homes,” said Jessica Rushin, senior partnerships manager, ASPCA Field Investigations and Response. “Now, we’re giving the remaining animals a chance to find homes in other communities. We’re grateful to all of our partner shelters who have stepped up and committed to getting these animals adopted.”

The animals are being transported to the following animal shelters and rescue groups:

• Atlanta Humane Society (Atlanta, Ga.);
• Cat Depot (Sarasota, Fla.);
• Cedar Bend Humane Society (Waterloo, Iowa);
• Greater Birmingham Humane Society (Ala.)
• Great Plains SPCA (Kansas City, Mo.);
• Helping Hands Pet Rescue (Micanopy, Fla.);
• Humane Society of Broward County (Fort Lauderdale, Fla.);
• Humane Society of Charlotte (Charlotte, N.C.);
• Humane Society of Memphis and Shelby County (Memphis, TN);
• Humane Society of Tulsa (Tulsa, Okla.);
• Main Line Animal Rescue (Phoenixville, PA); and
• SouthEast Beagle Rescue (Tampa, Fla.)

The shelters and rescue groups listed above will care for the animals until they are ready to be made available for adoption. Additionally, some of the dogs who require behavioral rehabilitation for severe fear and under-socialization will be transported to the ASPCA Behavioral Rehabilitation Center in Madison, N.J., where animal behavior experts will provide treatment to help them become suitable for adoption.

On June 30, the ASPCA assisted the Moulton Police Department in removing more than 300 animals from the Lawrence County Animal Shelter and transported them to a temporary shelter where they received medical care and behavioral enrichment. ASPCA responders discovered the animals—dogs and cats of all breeds and ages—living in deplorable conditions and suffering from neglect and numerous medical issues. The ASPCA submitted forensic evidence to local authorities and continues to provide legal support for the criminal case. On July 16, Lawrence County Animal Shelter director Bobbie Taylor was arrested on 17 counts of animal cruelty.

More than 150 responders from 13 agencies have provided round-the-clock care for these animals since their rescue on June 30. GreaterGood and RescueBank have helped make this rescue operation possible by providing generous support to the sheltering and adoption efforts. Other agencies who have assisted the ASPCA with rescue and sheltering efforts include: Angels of Assisi (Roanoke, Va.); Atlanta Humane Society (Georgia); Charleston Animal Society (North Charleston, S.C.); Dane County Humane Society (Madison, Wis.); Florida State Animal Response Coalition (Apollo Beach, Fla.); Good Mews Animal Foundation (Marietta, Ga.); Halifax Humane Society (Daytona Beach, Fla.); Humane Alliance (Asheville, N.C.); Humane Society of Broward County (Fort Lauderdale, Fla.); Humane Society of Charlotte (N.C.); Humane Society of Greater Savannah (Georgia); Humane Society of Memphis & Shelby County (Memphis, Tenn.); Humane Society of Pinellas (Clearwater, Fla.); Lifeline Animal Project (Atlanta, Ga.); McKamey Animal Care Center (Chattanooga, Tenn.); Montgomery Humane Society (Alabama); MSPCA-Angell (Cape Cod, Mass.); St. Hubert's Animal Welfare Center (Madison, N.J.); The Animal Support Project (Cropseyville, N.Y.); University of Florida (Gainesville, Fla.); and Wisconsin Animal Rescue (Watkinsville, Ga.).