75 Labrador retrievers rescued, ower became ill
New Caney, TX (US)Incident Date: Thursday, Aug 10, 2000
County: Montgomery
Disposition: Not Charged
Person of Interest: Kathleen Anthony
The 75 Labrador retrievers were left unattended after Kathleen Anthony, a New Caney woman in her 40s, became ill and was hospitalized. Anthony had been taking in stray Labrador retrievers since before 1993.
"I don't think this is a blatant case of abuse or neglect. She got sick and became overwhelmed. I think her health condition and finances have been going downhill."
The dogs were in good condition and had been vaccinated when the Montgomery County Animal Control supervisor last saw them in May. No charges will be filed against Anthony.
Anthony had asked an acquaintance to look after the dogs for her, but they were not cared for properly and many seemed near starvation when they were found on Tuesday.
A veterinary technician from Montrose Veterinary Clinic in Houston gave the dogs free checkups on Thursday.
"I found emaciated dogs covered with ticks and fleas, signs of intestinal parasites, symptoms of heart worms, generally poor body conditions (and) bad skin, eye and ear infections." There was no evidence the dogs had ever been beaten.
"They are lovable, lovable dogs starving for attention. They put their head on your lap and it just brings tears to your eyes."
About 35 dogs will be taken to Austin and cared for by the Heart of Texas Labrador Rescue chapter of the National Labrador Association. Rescue associations for other breeds will take in about nine dogs.
Approximately 30 dogs will be competing for homes with 200 to 250 other dogs and cats at the Humane Society. Placing all the dogs will be difficult they are going to try their darnedest to get them all homes.
Volunteers are helping to care for the animals and more help is needed, including food, medical supplies, money and drivers to transport the dogs. References- Houston Chronicle - Aug 17, 2000
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