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Two dozen+ dogs found with Mange

Portage, IN and Union Township

May, 2006

Portage, Indiana Officials are offering a $2,000 reward for information leading to the owner of nearly two dozen dogs found in Portage since May.

The Porter County Animal Shelter has rescued 22 dogs since May.  Five of the dogs were euthanized on Friday, July 21st.  The Animal Shelter officials believe the dogs were held in a puppy mill, being neglected for a long period of time, thus spreading the mange.

Update: 7/23/2006

On Friday, July 21st, The Humane Society of the United States added $2,500 to the $2,000 reward which was started by a local veterinarian to elicit information that would identify the dogs’ owner. The reward for information now stands at $5,500.00.  An Avon, IN resident adopted two of the dogs last week and contributed $2,000 to the reward. Several other citizens have contributed $200 each.

Of the 22 dogs picked up within the last two months, five were euthanized and one perished on its own from the mange. The dogs were so skinny that their organs were visible.  Many of the dogs were found in or near Union Township.  Each new batch of animals found are in increasingly poor condition.

Updated: 8/10/2006

Six more mange-stricken dogs were found abandoned on Wednesday morning, August 10th, in Union Township. This discovery brings the total dogs found up to nearly 30. According to Porter County Animal Shelter Director Sandy Olge, it is believed these dogs are tied to the same puppy mill.

This group of dogs were found abandoned in three cardboard Marlboro boxes in a sandpit near Wheeler High School. The boxes contained 3 adult Chihuahuas, 2 Cocker Spaniel puppies and 1 adult Japanese Chin. It was clear that the dogs had been used for breeding.

The dogs were taken to the County Animal Shelter and appear to be in better condition that many of the other 22 dogs discovered since May 8th. Several of the earlier dogs had to be euthanized and several have undergone surgeries – including a procedure to remove a badly damaged eye.

A $5,500 reward is still being offered and the identity of anyone coming forward will be kept confidential. Information can be provided to the Shelter or the County Sheriff’s Department.

Reference:

WISH-TV

The Times

Northwest Indiana