PENSACOLA

'They just got overwhelmed': Pensacola man surrenders 39 'rescued' dogs to animal shelter

Jennifer Rich
Pensacola News Journal

What started out as a well-intentioned effort to help unwanted canines turned into an intervention when the owner surrendered 39 dogs and one chinchilla to Escambia County Animal Rescue.

“We got a call from a neighbor that was wanting a welfare check because (the dogs) were barking a lot,” said John Robinson, director of Escambia County Animal Rescue.

The call came in on Dec. 27 and brought animal control out to a familiar residence north of Olive Road.

Escambia County Animal Control seized 39 dogs Dec. 27 from a rescue operation that grew out of control. The rescued dogs are currently receiving medical treatment, vaccinations and being spayed or neutered in preparation for adoption.

Robinson said a former couple had been acquiring dogs from owners who no longer wanted them. Several were hunting dogs that failed to be hunters the previous owners had hoped for.

“They just got overwhelmed by the number of animals,” Robinson said of the owners.

On a previous visit to the home over a year ago, Robinson said the couple was managing the growing collection of discarded canines. They had at least 15 dogs they were keeping in kennels outside, but not more than two dozen at that time.

“We had been out there before when they didn’t have as many dogs,” Robinson said. “They were properly taken care of.”

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Robinson said the problem began when the couple recently split and the man was left to take care of all the dogs on his own.

“That number of animals requires three or four full-time employees for us,” Robinson said. “I don’t know how he was doing it by himself with a full-time job.”

Caring for 39 dogs quickly got out of control for the man. Robinson said the conditions of the premises were “dirty” and the dogs all had “some significant level of neglect.”

Escambia County Animal Control seized 39 dogs Dec. 27 from a rescue operation that grew out of control.

The owner had several 10-by-10-foot outdoor kennels that some of the dogs had tunneled underneath to get to other kennels.

Robinson said none of the dogs were emaciated but many were malnourished.

“Many had worms and other parasites that could have been prevented with basic medical care,” Robinson said.

The owner admitted to authorities he was overwhelmed and voluntarily surrendered all his animals. It took a team of eight animal control employees, three trucks and multiple trips to transport all of the dogs.

“I don’t think he’s a bad person,” Robinson said. “It’s one of those situations that can snowball really fast.”

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That number of dogs was too much for the county to take in at the shelter. Robinson said several agencies, some that specialize in hound dogs, have stepped up to help out. The chinchilla has been placed with a rescue organization.

The county is partnering with other agencies and fosters to handle the influx of dogs for any medical treatment, vaccinations and spay or neuter that’s needed before they’ll be ready for adoption. 

Anyone interesting in adopting is encouraged to do so as soon as possible to free up more beds at the shelter for other animals in need.

Escambia County Animal Shelter is located at 200 W. Fairfield Drive. Adoption hours are from noon to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday and 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday.

The adoption fee for dogs under 3 years of age is $95 and $55 for dogs over 3. The fee for cats is $50 for cats under 3 years of age and $30 for cats over 3 years. The adoption fee includes spay or neuter surgery, microchip, heartworm tests, basic vaccinations including rabies, and other medical care needed while at the shelter.

Escambia County residents adopting are now required to purchase a license at the time of adoption. The license is $11 paid separately.

Among the 39 dogs surrendered to Escambia County Animal Control was a lone chinchilla.

For now, Escambia County Animal Control is continuing to investigate the case of the removed dogs. No charges are currently pending.

Robinson said animal control gets a few calls a year to intervene with animal hoarders and puppy mills. He cautions anyone thinking of starting any type of animal rescue to fully consider the responsibility.

“It’s a seven-day-a-week job,” Robinson said. “If you miss one day, you never get caught up.”