Montana Update

Back on December 15 we reported ona few dozen dead and dying dogs seized from a home in Montana. Over 300 dogs were reportedly still present at Linda Kapsa’s Shady Lane Kennels located in Yellowstone County. According to the Billings Gazette:

The Yellowstone County Sheriff’s Office executed a second search warrant at Shady Lane Kennels in Ballantine this morning and is in the process of seizing almost 300 dogs and other animals owned by Linda Kapsa.

Officials with the Sheriff’s Office and the Humane Society suspect that the animals were not receiving proper care.

A veterinarian assisting in the seizure said he saw dogs without food, water or adequate shelter. A team of veterinarians is examining the dogs at a temporary clinic at MetraPark, where the dogs will be housed.

One of the dogs confiscated. CLICK HERE to see the Billings Gazette photo gallery

CBS News Montana reports:

Over the past three weeks, investigators have been looking at evidence gathered from Kapsa’s property which led to the animals being removed Tuesday morning.

All of the seized animals have been taken to Metra-Park where they will be housed until the investigation is done or they are turned over to the county.

Dogs were hauled to Metra-Park by the truck load, in a relocation effort the county is calling, “Operation New Beginnings.”

Over 200 dogs were brought to the Metra, most of them English Shepherds. Investigators were unable to find 50 pugs at the Ballantine property.

Volunteers from different animal hospitals and organizations took the scared dogs in and after they were able to calm them down, gave them a physical examination, rabies and micro chipped them. They also checked for parvo and found several cases.

The situation is absolutely heart-breaking. But one bit of light shines – remember yesterday’s post where we bemoaned the fact that Missouri State Representative Jim Viebrock’s proposal to for a bill requiring that a veterinarian to inspect animals suspected of being abused before they are impounded by authorities is being viewed as controversial? Apparently the folks in the beautiful Yellowstone area have a healthier respect for civil rights than their neighbors down south do. Veterinarians were present during today’s seizure act ivies and we hear that all of these dogs will have their health and temperament evaluated. They aren’t being hauled away and killed. They won’t even be adopted out or put into foster care until authorities have finished their investigations.

We *heart* Montana.

According to CBS Montana: “The dogs won’t be available for adoption until the investigation is over, but if or when that happens, there will be a big need for homes.  Operation New Beginnings is going to need a lot of volunteers to help exercise and socialize the dogs, as well as feed and clean them. You can contact Last Chance Cat Sanctuary at 248-2388 and leave a message to donate food or time.”  (… or money, your friendly neighborhood blogger suggests)

If the dogs are released for adoption, National English Shepherd Rescue will also assist as needed. Regular updates on the situation will be posted here on their website. There’s a link to donate via PayPal on the site as well.