Holbrook Animal Care & Control is working with Navajo County Animal Control to respond to a major animal neglect and hoarding case involving over 40 dogs found living in poor and unsafe conditions.
Navajo County Animal Control was contacted directly by the dog’s owner, who is currently dealing with serious health issues and asked for help. When officers arrived at the property, they found dogs living inside several old travel trailers and outside among piles of trash. There was no clean water, barely any food, and the animals were surrounded by their own waste. Sadly, several dogs were already dead or dying on the scene.
Because Navajo County doesn’t have its own animal shelter, they rely on Holbrook Animal Care & Control during cases like this. The two agencies have a strong, long-standing working relationship. When Holbrook needs help, Navajo County assists. And when Navajo County needs support, Holbrook steps up. The agencies work together whenever tbey can, because both teams are dedicated to doing what’s best for the animals in our communities.
So far, Holbrook has taken in 30 dogs, with an estimated 15 more still needing to be removed from the property. Most of the dogs are smaller terrier mixes. Many are a little shy at first, but once they warm up, they’re sweet and friendly. There were more dogs on the property than originally expected, and the conditions were worse than anyone thought.
Holbrook Animal Care & Control is a small city-run shelter with limited space and only two staff members and most days, just one person is on duty. There are seven outdoor kennels, six play yards and 12 kennels inside. Taking in over 40 dogs on top of the animals already in the shelter has been overwhelming. But leaving them behind wasn’t an option. The dogs were dehydrated, starving, and in desperate need of help.
Holbrook Animal Care & Control is asking for the public’s help. Right now, there is an urgent need for adopters, foster homes and rescue groups willing to pull dogs or cats from us and donations to help cover vet care.
Donations can be dropped off or mailed to: Holbrook Animal Shelter, located at 105 Airport Road, Holbrook, Ariz., 86025 Please make checks payable to: Friends of the Holbrook Animal Shelter.
The shelter reminds everyone to spay and neuter pets. For those struggling to care for animals, don’t wait until it’s too late, contact the local animal control agency. Holbrook Animal Care & Control does its best to help. And if you ever suspect animal abuse or neglect, please report it right away.
For questions about the case or ways to help please contact: Brandon Damron – Navajo County Animal Control Program Manager: (928) 406-9464 Brandon Smigiel – Holbrook Animal Care & Control Supervisor: (928) 524-6828.
