Over the past few weeks, more than 100 shih tzu dogs have been removed from a hoarding situation in Yucca Valley. Managing editor Tami Roleff says the rescue required lots of coordination, and dog rescue organizations across Southern California stepped up to take in the dogs…
A woman—who asked not to be identified—said she was first notified of the hoarding situation in Yucca Valley on January 4. The owner told the rescuer she had a terminal illness—which the rescuer has not confirmed. The rescuer rounded up crates and vehicles and volunteers, and on Saturday, January 5, took custody of about 80 dogs, who were kept outside in two fenced-in properties, with their only shelter being a garage and camper shells. The owner then changed her mind, and refused to let the rescuer take the remaining 30-50 dogs; the owner later said all but three were eventually taken by another rescuer.
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The owner/breeder, who has a mental illness associated with hoarding, kept changing her mind about allowing the last of her dogs to be removed. She also called Sheriff’s deputies, animal control, and county supervisors about the rescuers.
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None of the dogs had been groomed in years, and most of them had extremely long fur that was so matted and overgrown that the dogs had to be shaved. Preliminary vet examinations found that the dogs were generally in good shape with good eyes, ears, and teeth, although some medical issues are surfacing once the dogs have been groomed. Many dogs have anal gland issues since their matted fur prevented them from defecating properly. Some dogs have tumors, several females had to have emergency spays due to deadly uterine infections. Rescuers were grateful that there were no dead dogs on the properties. At least 25 dogs were “seniors,” between the ages of 10 and 16. She added that the stench at the property and on the dogs was awful.
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All the seized dogs have been placed with rescue organizations and have been groomed, vetted, spayed or neutered, and are living inside in foster homes.
Animal Control is investigating.
The owner was originally cited for not grooming the dogs and for allowing algae to grow in the dogs’ water. It’s not known if any criminal charges will be brought against the owner since it would be fruitless if the owner has a terminal illness. The owner has said she doesn’t feel that she did anything wrong with her care for the dogs.
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