Crockett County Pound exceeds capacity after rescuing 27 abandoned puppies
ALAMO, Tenn. — Dozens of stray puppies are rescued after being abandoned in Crockett County.
The Crockett County Pound is at almost three times their max capacity after rescuing 27 abandoned puppies within three days. Leaders with animal control this has been an ongoing issue for quite some time around the area.
“I think people just get overwhelmed and they’re abandoning them. Nobody wants to address the problem until them have 14 ten-week old puppies that are running around everywhere and now it’s everybody’s problem when they abandon them on the side of the road,” said Samantha Elmore, animal control officer for Crockett County.
While we we visited the pound, a couple of residents could be seen dropping off 3 additional rescues. According to animal control, all of the puppies taken in were found suffering from an infestation of intestinal worms and anemia and have since been treated by the Crockett County Pound.
“If people get a dog they’re responsible for that dog. If they’re intact they need to get them spayed or neutered because they are going to multiply. Even your male is going to run off up to three miles away and reproduce with a female,” said Elmore.
Two residents tell us they’ve cared for three abandoned strays since October of last year, and now they’re working to find them new homes.
“She’s my softy for animals and the day she saw them it upset her because somebody had dropped off three puppies. It was the end of October and it was starting to get cold and we thought about building a pin for them; actually keeping them. But they need homes, they need kids they can play with and run, but they’re the sweetest little puppies — they’re awesome,” said Janie Rodriguez, dog rescuer.
Ellie Lewis, a dog rescuer, tells us her experience caring for animals.
“Taking them in is already a lot and taking care of them and giving them resources and everything that already a lot but it’s still helpful at least to get them somewhere safe,” said Lewis.
The animal control officer encourages the public to report any information regarding the individuals responsible so they can hold them accountable for their poor choices that affected vulnerable lives.
Responsible individuals are no longer cited to court but arrested for animal cruelty and abandonment, charged in court, and the judge is passing down sentencing of restitution for the medical care of the the dogs with community service.
“The county prosecutor, the sheriff’s department and the judge — we’re all working together to really get to the cause of this issue. Myself and the mayor are working together to try to get grants into the county to be able to offer services to the citizens before we ever get to this point,” said Elmore.
Call 731-663-5399 if you have any tips for finding individuals responsible for abandoned animals. The Crockett County Pound also has an online application to adopt your next furry friend.
This Saturday at the Alamo Tornado Shelter they kick of their doggy speed dating adoption event with a bake sale, dog bonding with guest, games for kids and music anticipating an enjoyable experience for all who attend.
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