WATAUGA, Texas — More than 50 Rottweilers and other large dogs were rescued in early March from a "struggling facility" in North Texas, according to Fort Worth Animal Care and Control (FWACC). Now, local shelters are seeking adopters to help prevent overcrowding.
According to a news release from the Watauga Police Department, on March 1, the Watauga Fire Department, Animal Services, and officers responded to A Rottie Rescue Inc in the 6000 block of Geyser Trail to the report of an adult who had been injured by a dog.
Police said Animal Services removed the dog and during the follow-up investigation, it was discovered that 47 Rottweilers, two American Staffordshire Terriers, one mixed-breed terrier, and one cat were living in "dangerously unsanitary conditions."
According to Watauga PD, many of the animals were in
distress and needed emergency medical attention -- three dogs were even found dead at the location.
Police said Animal Services quickly transported the dogs for necessary medical care while the police department opened an animal cruelty investigation.
Following the reported dog attack, the A Rottie
Rescue posted an update on Facebook saying, "Thank you for all of the messages and support. We are currently working on an appropriate solution for the dogs while keeping their safety in mind. Thank you all for your prayers, words of love, and outpouring of support. My mom is in stable condition, and I will be focusing on her health. We have amazing support right now and we are so so so grateful!!!!"
Watauga Animal Services asked nearby shelters for help due to the number of dogs needing to be taken in. According to the news release, the Humane Society of North Texas, the SPCA of Dallas, Irving Animal Services, Dallas Animal Services, Fort Worth Animal Services, and more all answered the call of duty.
However, even with this help, some shelters are still struggling with overcrowding.
FWACC posted on social media Monday, saying that it took in a portion of the animals, and because of it, their facility was stretched very thin. To encourage people to adopt these animals, FWACC said it was
waiving all adoption fees for large dogs.
The shelter added that even if you can't adopt, fostering would temporarily give them much-needed space. Lastly, FWACC said it is seeking rescue organizations that can help and take in some large dogs.
"While this situation was unexpected, we believe the community of Fort Worth can rise to the occasion once again," FWACC said on social media. "These dogs have already been through a lot, and with your help, we can provide them the chance they deserve."
