UPDATE: ABANDONED DOGS RETURNING TO HEALTH IN RITCHIE COUNTY - Officials Believe Purebred Dogs Dumped By Puppy Mill

(06/14/2012)
UPDATE - Humane officers believe someone operating a puppy mill dumped about 30 small, purebred animals, including Chihuahuas, pugs, Chinese cresteds and "chiweenies," a Chihuahua-Daschund mix in Doddridge County.

The dogs, those that have not died, are being returned to health at the Ritchie County Animal Shelter.

Authorities are looking for those who dumped the animals.

ORIGINAL STORY - Ritchie County Humane Society Shelter Manager Debbie Moyers says the nearly 30 abandoned dogs taken into the shelter on June 3rd are recovering nicely and doing better.

The severely sick dogs were abandoned by the side of the road and left to die, many so malnourished their hair was missing from mange-like conditions.

"It's an amazing transformation," with nutrition and healthcare, she said.

The dogs have all been treated for sarcoptic mange, parasites, malnourishment and various types of infections.

Moyers says the shelter is currently taking adoption applications for the dogs. She adds that it will be roughly four months before they are healthy enough to leave the Humane Society.

Moyers says the dogs still have a long way to go and still need a great deal of help.

She says that monetary donations are needed to help continue to pay for the medicines and emergency supplies for the dogs.

TO DONATE:

Ritchie Co. Humane Society
Rt. 1 Box 3, Harrisville WV
Or call (304) 643-4721

See related story THIRTY DOGS IN TERRIBLE CONDITION RESCUED BY AUTHORITIES IN RITCHIE-DODDRIDGE