Wednesday, March 18, 2009 - Oregon Humane Society is involved in one of the largest dog rescue ever.
Animals Rescued from Burns Available for Adoption
OHS Executive Director Sharon Harmon says "Yes there are adoption challenges these great dogs present, but bottom line, they are dogs with a tremendous capacity to love. They're looking for a human home".
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The first group of dogs rescued from Burns, Ore., by the Oregon Humane Society will be available for adoption to the public this Thursday, March 19.
131 dogs from a massive rescue operation in Burns, Ore., will arrive at the Oregon Humane Society shelter in Portland this afternoon. The animals were previously owned by a Burns resident charged with animal neglect. He agreed to voluntarily surrender the animals to avoid further charges.
The dogs, most of them free-roaming, live in a collection of pens, house trailers and crates on a rural property a few miles outside of Burns. The Harney County Sheriff's office charged dog owner Ted Tellefson with animal neglect last month. "I'm a dog owner myself and I hate to see any animal mistreated," said Harney County Sheriff David Glerup. "Having the Oregon Humane Society here to care for the animals and find them homes is a huge help to us," he said.
A convoy of cargo vans and horse trailers is transporting 131 dogs from Burns to Portland today. The convoy is expected to arrive at the OHS shelter around 5:00 pm (contact OHS for updates on arrival times). The 14-member OHS rescue team is working alongside deputies from the Harney County's Sheriff's office and members of the Humane Society of the United Sates. HSUS was the first organization to highlight the plight of the dogs.
"We're glad to assist Harney County with a case of such major proportions," said OHS Executive Director Sharon Harmon. "When I see cases like this I'm thankful OHS has the staff and volunteers to make a difference."With so many dogs needing help, the Burns rescue is one of the largest dog rescue cases in Oregon's history.
The dogs include Sheba Inus, Akitas, and several other breeds. OHS will work to find permanent homes for all the dogs, and will make them available for adoption as soon as possible. Most of the dogs appear to be in good health.
OHS estimates the cost of caring for the dogs during their first five days at the OHS shelter will be $61,731. Costs include spay and neuter operations, vaccines, identification microchips, medical care, and more.
131 dogs from a massive rescue operation in Burns, Ore., will arrive at the Oregon Humane Society shelter in Portland this afternoon. The animals were previously owned by a Burns resident charged with animal neglect. He agreed to voluntarily surrender the animals to avoid further charges. 
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