80 Parrots and 800 dogs kept in a mobile home?!

[jme_see]

This article was just getting passed around at work. I keep thinking, "How is this even possible?" I feel horribly for the birds and dogs that were rescued. Maybe local bird/dog lovers in the Southern Arizona area can help.
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800 Dogs Seized From Couple's Home - Local News Story - KPHO Phoenix

TUCSON, Ariz. -- About 800 small dogs, mostly Chihuahuas, were found in filthy conditions in an elderly Tucson couple's home in rural Avra Valley, Pima County sheriff's deputies said.

"This is the largest seizure that's happened in Pima County that I'm aware of," sheriff's Sgt. Terry Parish told the Tucson Citizen newspaper.

The situation came to light when a veterinarian called a woman who bought one of the dogs at the couple's residence to tell her the animal she brought in for an exam was ill and told her to notify authorities, deputies said.

Dozens of dogs were removed from the triple-wide mobile home on Monday, according to the Humane Society of Southern Arizona. Another 700 were rescued on Wednesday.

"That number of dogs in one home, it's beyond imagination," said Barbara Rebe, one of the pet rescuers.

The Human Society said in some cases more than a dozen dogs were found stuffed into a single crate.

Authorities described the home as being in horrible condition, with urine and feces covering the premises.

The couple who owns the trailer where the animals were discovered has not yet been identified.

Workers said the elderly owners likely started as breeders with good intentions but got in over their heads and began hoarding.

Deputies also found some 80 parrots caged inside the trailer on the city's northwest side.

"That was total disbelief, total disbelief," Rebe said.

The Pima County Animal Control and the Arizona Chihuahua Rescue were among the other groups rescuing the animals and birds late Wednesday.

No charges have been filed but authorities continue an investigation.

The Humane Society said it is assembling pens at its shelter to house the dogs until permanent homes are found.

The group said it hopes to start putting the animals up for adoption in about two weeks.

[KDK241]

I saw this on the MSN home page yesterday but I didn't read it. That is so sad. I feel bad for people like that, and the animals who live that way.

[dunklekatze]

Insane!!!! I can't even visualize that!

[huntress]

Yes I said 800 DOGS! GAHHH!! 82 Parrots!!!!!!!

The Associated Press: 800 Small Dogs Seized From Ariz. Home

[shadowsmom]

Oh wow. Those poor animals..... They were in a triple wide trailer? I could not imagine being one of the first to walk in there.

[charlieandmom]

You love to see if you can get people stirred up about stuff on most of your post. Why don't you post some good news.

[JoT]

Wow thats amazing. Great that in spite of everything they were so healthy. Thanks for posting it.
Found these two videos about it. Its wonderful how the community has stepped up. There is a happy ending to this story. I can't find anything about the birds though. Anyone know?
KVOA News 4, Tucson, Arizona - Victimized animals are available for adoption

[MiniMama]

This is a national story - good to see it is getting a happy ending. 'But I too am wondering about the parrots. I"m also wondering about the hoarders - are they in jail, what is happening? I"m sure there is more to come.

[rockybird]

I live in Phx. From what I read, the couple were very elderly. They admitted to the police that they were over their heads. Charges were not to be filed as of yesterday. Dead dogs were found in the home.

800 dogs seized from home

[rockybird]

News > Chihuahua Rescue