Rescue, It Takes a Community

Free State Four Paws (FSFP), a 501(c)3 in Winston County, Alabama contacted the Greater Huntsville Humane Society (GHHS) earlier this month.

FSFP was introduced to a neglect case involving multiple animals on a rural property that was too large to handle on their own. Spencer Batcheller, interim CEO for GHHS stated, “many Alabama counties and cities do not have animal control. We understood help was needed in this situation and it was an honor to be a part of this rescue.” Together, the two rescue groups along with the Winston County Sheriff’s Department arrived on site Friday, January 21, 2022.

Batcheller and dedicated volunteer and animal advocate Beth Griffin, represented GHHS in the efforts. Batcheller disclosed, “

Batcheller and dedicated volunteer and animal advocate Beth Griffin, represented GHHS in the efforts. Batcheller disclosed, “upon arrival, we found several dogs at large. One dog was chained, two dogs were in outdoor kennels, while others were left to fend for themselves in the abandoned home.” Altogether, there were eighteen dogs on the property that did not have clean water, food, or adequate shelter.

 

On account of the situation, it was determined more support was needed. Friends of Rescue (FOR), (Huntsville) was brought in to help with intake and foster placement. Dr. Rene Holt, of Rocket City Veterinary Hospital (Madison) evaluated all the females, confirming pregnancies. This week other area veterinarians will assist GHHS and FOR in completing full medical evaluations.

GHHS would like to thank everyone involved: Free State Four Paws, Friends of Rescue, the Winston County Sheriff’s department, and the fosters who are now caring for these animals in their homes. Each contributed to making this effort possible, ensuring these animals will never live under these conditions again.

If you would like to help, please consider donating to:

Free State Four Paws, a shelterless volunteer animal rescue and a non-profit 501(c) 3 organization in Winston Co., AL. Visit their Facebook page, @fsfourpaws.

Friends of Rescue (FOR), a 100% volunteer group helping homeless animals in North Alabama. Visit their Facebook page, @FORrescue.

Greater Huntsville Humane Society is a 501c3 no-kill shelter which has been serving the Huntsville area for more than 50 years. For more information visit ghhs.org or on Facebook, @GHHSpets.

A special thank you to the Winston County Sheriff’s Office. In a county where animal control is not present, they made this unfortunate situation a priority, and was supportive to all those involved. Visit their Facebook page, @Sheriff’s Office Winston County.