News Release

July 22, 2004
Contact: Abigail Smith
Dir. of Development & Marketing
Phone: (603) 772-2921 ext. 106

For Immediate Release

Stratham, NH -
On Saturday, July 17, 2004 the New Hampshire SPCA took in ten pit bulls rescued from the Epping, NH area. The dogs had been the victims of serious neglect and abuse and came to the NHSPCA with an array of medical and behavioral issues.

Neighbors in the area witnessed a total of thirteen pit bulls being left out side, unattended, tied to trees in the back yard out behind an abandoned mobile home. After phone calls to police about the abandoned dogs, Epping's Animal Control Officer investigated the scene and then called in the NHSPCA's Animal Cruelty Investigator to assist in the case. The investigation found that all thirteen dogs were chained to trees having been given minimal food and water. One visit to the premises found that the dogs had no water at all. Worse yet, these animals were literally being eaten alive by mosquitoes and black flies. Pit bulls have thin skin and short hair, making them extremely vulnerable to the intense insect attacks. Several of the animals were so badly bitten they had scratched themselves raw, leaving wounds and scarring all over their faces and bodies.

These animals are obviously not family pets. It is reported that last year these owners were in possession of 24 pit bulls, all kept at this same site. The situation "got away from me", explains one of the owners, as he agreed to surrender 10 of the 13 remaining dogs in order to avoid further criminal investigation.
This situation happens all too often. Whether it be the accumulation of too many animals, needs that become too expensive or a circumstance arising where an owner cannot properly care for the animal(s), the NHSPCA urges that you call someone for help. It is illegal to deny a companion animal adequate food, water and shelter; and no matter what life brings the owner, the animals should not suffer neglect and abuse.

For more information about options, the law in New Hampshire or to report an incidence of animal cruelty, please call Steven Sprowl, NHSPCA Animal Cruelty Investigator, at (603)772-2921. Callers with reports of animal cruelty will remain anonymous.

The New Hampshire SPCA is a community resource center which provides animal adoption, education, investigation and sheltering services in a professional and compassionate way. The Adoption Center is open from 11 a.m. - 4 p.m. on Mondays, Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays, 11 a.m. - 7 p.m. on Tuesdays and Thursdays and closed on Wednesdays. For more information about making a donation to the New Hampshire SPCA please call (603) 772-2921 ext. 106 or visit www.nhspca.org.

###

{Ads}