Seventy-one dogs were found in a single home in one of the “most severe neglect cases” the Anchorage Police Department has encountered.
Police officers helped Anchorage Animal Care and Control rescue 71 dogs found in “unimaginable conditions.”
Anchorage Animal Care and Control said it cannot handle that many dogs and needs the community’s help.
“Our shelter is only built to humanely house 60-65 dogs and we currently have 123 placed in the shelter,” the shelter said. “Overcrowding increases our chances of a disease outbreak and does not allow animals to have double-sided kennels, which is the standard for humane care in shelters.”
The dogs rescued from the home on Thursday are not available for adoption because they are under protective custody.
“Euthanizing is always our last resort and we are trying everything we can including reaching out to other shelters around the state, asking rescues for help, and getting our community involved. Unfortunately, if these resources don’t work, euthanasia may be our only option to make sure we are meeting the standards of care,” Anchorage Animal Care and Control said.
Police said neglect charges are pending against the individual.
