Dogs ‘in bad shape’ dumped at local nature reserve; Officials says its part of increasing issue

GREENE COUNTY — More than half a dozen dogs were dumped and found in bad shape in Greene County.

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Greene County Animal Control Supervisor David Turner was called to Narrows Reserve Nature Center last week on a report of eight Pomeranians that had been dumped on a park trail. When he got there, he found seven and was concerned about their conditions.

“They were extremely thin, full of fleas, long-haired dogs,” Turner said, adding he could feel their ribs when picking them up.

The dogs were taken in and nursed back to health. They’ve since been adopted by The Rescue Haven.

As reported on News Center 7 at 5:30, the director of Greene County Animal Control said dog dumping has become an increasing issue in recent years.

“We went from, you know, maybe one or two a year to now, we’re getting more than two a month,” Julie Holmes-Taylor, Greene County Animal Control director, said.

The addition of dumped dogs adds to the shelter’s already existing problem of bringing in too many animals.

“We have stayed steadily full since the first of the year,” Holmes-Taylor said.

They’re not able to get them out fast enough.

“Our adoptions are not up,” Holmes-Taylor said. “We’re holding animals longer, than we ever have before.”

She told News Center 7′s Mason Fletcher that she’s unsure why owners would abandon their pets, but emphasizes that it is illegal.

“In the state of Ohio, it is a minor misdemeanor,” Holmes-Taylor said.

Leaders said if you are struggling to take care of your pet, give the animal control a call and they can help you find the best way to give up your pet.

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