Urgent Rescue Mission Underway for Mississippi Dogs Before Winter Storm
Animal welfare organisations are engaged in a critical race against time to rescue more than 200 dogs from a distressing rural property in Mississippi, with a major winter storm forecast to strike the region imminently. The operation, centred in Tupelo, Mississippi, involves multiple rescue groups working tirelessly to remove the animals from what has been described as appalling conditions.
'House of Horrors' Conditions Discovered
Robert Misseri, co-founder of the New York-based nonprofit Paws of War, which specialises in rescuing animals and placing them with veterans and first responders, detailed the horrific scene his team encountered upon arrival at the property on Wednesday. He characterised the location as a "house of horrors," noting the presence of skeletal remains of dogs decomposing in the yard and widespread faeces. The dogs were found living both inside and outside the dilapidated home.
"It's rewarding seeing them come off the property for the first time, knowing that they will ultimately wind up on someone's couch. But to think that they suffered up there for all these years in silence," Misseri stated, his voice trailing off with emotion.
Multi-State Shelter Response and Medical Concerns
The rescue effort was initiated after the Lee County Sheriff's Office requested assistance from Paws of War in rehoming the animals. As of Thursday evening, approximately 60 dogs had been transferred to nine different shelters. Paws of War has dispatched several trucks to transport 45 dogs back to New York, while thirteen dogs were taken in by the Northshore Humane Society in Covington, Louisiana.
The Louisiana team undertook a journey of over 300 miles to the Tupelo area on Wednesday for what they named "Operation: Tupelo Tails." Scott Bernier, CEO of the Northshore Humane Society, reported that many dogs bore facial scars, likely from fighting other dogs for food. "So it’s a bad condition. Not something we ever like to see," he remarked.
Veterinary technician Scout Cannizzaro confirmed that some dogs are suffering from upper respiratory infections and various skin conditions. Bernier further anticipates that several animals will test positive for heartworm, a serious parasitic infection.
Storm Preparations and Ongoing Search Efforts
With the impending winter storm, the Northshore Humane Society is urgently seeking foster homes for as many dogs as possible, citing their ageing building's poor heat retention. Bernier assured that any animals remaining at the shelter during the storm will be kept warm and safe.
Meanwhile, Paws of War plans to work overnight to secure shelter placements for the remaining dogs before the severe weather arrives. Misseri's team is also scouring the area for skittish dogs that fled during the rescue, suggesting the final number needing rescue could approach 300. He issued a firm commitment: "No matter what happens, I will not allow the dogs to be left outside during the storm." He is appealing to other shelters to come forward and accept some of the animals, admitting, "We weren't prepared for this."
Attempts to reach the Lee County Sheriff’s Office for comment on Thursday were not immediately returned.
