COLUMBIANA COUNTY, Ohio — Fifteen dogs are receiving treatment after being found abandoned in two separate locations within less than a week.
Eight dogs were discovered inside a cage along Trinity Church Road on Friday. Humane officials said the animals had large amounts of waste tangled in their fur, and all eight tested positive for giardia, an intestinal parasite.
Seven beagles were found Tuesday along Darner Road. Officials said those dogs were also in poor condition when they were recovered.
Fabian Pike, Columbiana County’s chief humane officer, said local shelters and humane agents are struggling to keep pace with the number of animals requiring assistance. The rescued dogs are being cared for by the humane society and a local pound, even though both facilities are already at capacity.
Pike emphasized that abandoning an animal is a crime and encouraged owners who can no longer care for their pets to contact local animal-welfare organizations. Humane officials may be able to connect owners with shelters, rescue groups or other available resources.
Officials are also reaching out to organizations within and outside the region to locate foster homes and additional space.
Once the 15 dogs have recovered and are medically cleared, they are expected to become available for adoption.
Residents interested in helping are encouraged to consider adopting or fostering an animal, which can create additional shelter space for future rescues.
