ASPCA Assists Buncombe County Sheriff’s Office in Rescue of More than 40 Neglected Dogs in North Carolina

LEICESTER, N.C.–At the request of the Buncombe County Sheriff’s Office, the ASPCA^® (American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals^®) is assisting with the rescue of more than 40 neglected dogs, primarily poodle mixes, from a property in Western North Carolina. The dogs, including nine newborn puppies, along with a tortoise, a rabbit, a fish, and several birds, were found living in neglectful conditions in an overcrowded mobile home in Leicester.

“The ASPCA has deep roots in Western North Carolina, so when we learned these animals were suffering and in need of immediate intervention, we quickly mobilized to ensure they could be brought to safety and receive the care they deserve,” said Teresa Ladner, senior director of Investigations for the ASPCA.

The ASPCA is assisting with operational planning and animal removal, evidence collection and crime scene processing, investigative and legal assistance, veterinary and behavioral forensics exams, daily care, and providing the dogs with medical and behavioral support.

The ASPCA operates a Behavioral Rehabilitation Center in Weaverville, N.C. dedicated to the specialized treatment of severely fearful homeless dogs, as well as the ASPCA Spay/Neuter Alliance in Asheville, which provides high-quality, high-volume, low-cost spay/neuter services for local animal welfare organizations and pet owners within Western North Carolina. The ASPCA deploys nationally to assist local authorities in animal cruelty cases including animal fighting, hoarding, and puppy mills. It also provides local communities with resources including grant funding, training, and subject matter expertise to effectively assist animal victims of cruelty.