BOISE, Idaho (CBS2) — A judge granted the Idaho Humane Society ownership of 69 dogs and three cats Monday that were rescued from a residence in Mountain Home.
In December the Mountain Home Police Department rescued the neglected animals from residence with deplorable living conditions.
Originally 55 dogs, all of which were toy breed Papillons, and three cats, were removed from unsanitary and overcrowded conditions within the small structure.
The animals have been provided care and shelter in the protective custody of the IHS since that time pending the resolution of legal proceedings pursued by Mountain Home Prosecutor’s Office against the owner, Kathryn Schweikert.
The current number of dogs is 69, because a number of the dogs were pregnant and have since whelped at the IHS shelter.
Last Friday, Magistrate Judge Theodore Fleming issued an order of forfeiture awarding ownership of the dogs to the Idaho Humane Society in lieu of the owner providing for the cost of care until criminal charges in the case are resolved.
The Idaho Humane Society has spent thousands of dollars caring for the animals including the provision of exams, vaccinations, deworming, bloodwork, emergency medical care and boarding. This does not include the additional cost of needed medical care that will begin to take place starting Monday which includes dentistry, spays and neuters, tumor removals and other procedures.
The criminal case against the owner is still pending in court. The Idaho Humane Society will begin rehoming the animals through their adoption portal as their surgeries are complete. Additionally, prospective adopters and others are currently prohibited from visiting any IHS campus due to Covid-19 related precautions. Adoptions are currently being provided by application and appointments only.
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