WALTERBORO, S.C. (WSAV) - Colleton County Animal Services (CCAS) rescued 11 English Spaniels on Thursday, December 12.
CCAS announced the rescue on Wednesday, December 18. A twelfth Spaniel was discovered as deceased upon arrival. The 11 remaining dogs were retrieved "due to the owner’s inability to provide proper care."
A veterinarian who responded with rescuers evaluated The Spaniels. After an initial
screening, the dogs were transported to a facility to receive medical treatment and
eventual adoption. The Spaniels will need routine medical procedures including vaccinations, spay and neutering and deworming medication. 7 of the 11 are Heartworm positive, which will require expensive treatment.
The rescue exposes a case repeated far too often, according to CCAS, involving a breeder who was unable to maintain the necessary care for the dogs.
“The call for assistance came in two weeks ago from a partner agency. Immediately, Animal Control Officers responded to the location and implemented a plan that consisted of daily visits, care, and coordinating with the English Springer Spaniel Rescue Team. We are grateful for the assistance of ESRA. Without their intervention, the K9s would have to enter the animal shelter, and locally, we do not have the resources to care for some of the Spaniels' long term care needs,” says Laura Clark, Director of CCAS.
It is not yet clear whether or not charges have been filed in this case.
CCAS encourages people to visit the Springer Rescue website for more information on the English Spaniel Rescue America, INC., focused on adoption and providing care for this breed of dog.
Online donations can be made in honor of the eleven Spaniels by noting “South Carolina 11” on your donation.