Animal welfare workers are in a race against time to rescue more than 200 dogs from a squalid rural property in Mississippi before a severe winter storm is expected to hit the region on Friday.
Paws of War, a New York-based non-profit that specialises in rehoming animals with veterans and first responders, is leading the urgent operation. Robert Misseri, co-founder of the group, described the scene at the property in Tupelo as a “house of horrors”, with skeletal remains of dogs decomposing in the yard, widespread faeces, and animals living both inside and outside in appalling conditions.
The Lee County Sheriff's Office enlisted the help of Paws of War in rehoming the neglected animals. By Thursday evening, around 60 dogs had been taken in by nine different shelters, while Paws of War sent several trucks to transport 45 dogs back to New York.
Further support came from the Northshore Humane Society in Louisiana, whose team travelled more than 300 miles to the Tupelo area on Wednesday for what they called “Operation: Tupelo Tails”. Thirteen dogs are now under their care. Scott Bernier, the society’s chief executive, said many of the dogs bore scars on their faces, evidence that they had probably been fighting with other dogs for food. Veterinary technician Scout Cannizzaro noted some dogs had upper respiratory infections and skin conditions, with Bernier anticipating heartworm in others.
The Northshore Humane Society is urgently seeking foster homes, as its facility struggles with heating. Bernier assured that any animals remaining at the shelter during the storm would be kept warm and safe. Misseri’s team is also searching for skittish animals that may have fled, estimating the total number of dogs needing rescue could reach 300. He vowed that no dog would be left outside during the impending storm and appealed to other shelters for help.
