LEXINGTON, Ky. (LEX 18) — A Lexington man is facing 22 counts of Care and Treatment of Animals, which equates to misdemeanor cruelty charges after Animal Care and Control took the dogs from his home.
“Somebody called in a cruelty concern, and we decided to go ahead and remove all the dogs from that apartment,” Lt. Jai Hamilton with Animal Care and Control said.
14 puppies and 8 adult dogs were taken from the home and brought to the Lexington Humane Society.
“Some will need foster care for a few weeks until they're ready to be adopted, some will be ready within a week,” said Katy Stoess from the Humane Society.
Stoess said 22 animals at once is big intake at a place where space and resources are always at a premium.
“Puppy food, bedding and medical care are expensive,” Stoess said. “Fortunately, we have a matching campaign right now. Patti and Dennis Foster will match any donation up to 50,000 dollars. That will be immensely helpful since these guys came unexpectedly."
The lieutenant said this was not the first time this person has been caught with an inordinate number of dogs, living in what she described as unsanitary conditions. 16 dogs were recently discovered at this person’s home in Frankfort too.
“Unsanitary is a legal violation,” Hamilton said of the local ordinance. “Animals are required to have a sanitary living environment,” she continued.
Stoess said the puppies, who don’t show signs of physical abuse, will all be spayed and neutered before being placed up for adoption.
“They seem to be okay,” Stoess said of their overall condition. “They are definitely loud when they’re together, but in pretty good shape and would be a great addition to any home."
If you’d like to donate, or to inquire about fostering or adopting an animal, click here: Lexington Humane Society.
