Madison County – Sheriff Richard K. Jones reports that Butler County Sheriff’s Office Deputy Dog Wardens seized ninety living dogs, and discovered at least thirty deceased dogs at an animal rescue in Madison Township.
Investigation indicates the owner was operating the dog rescue under the name Helping Hands for Furry Paws. Investigation revealed that both adult dogs and puppies were being housed in various structures on two separate Madison Township properties. Deputy Dog Wardens, Investigators and Deputies conducted searches at both properties and found the animals in the most horrible conditions they have ever seen”.
Remains of deceased canines were located in five different refrigerators/freezers on the properties, some of which were not working. Other deceased canines were located in varying states of decomposition, including both adult canines and puppies. One garage housed over 25 dogs in cages with no ventilation or air conditioning, with measured indoor temperatures of 89 degrees. Numerous animals were housed together in cages filled with urine, fecal matter, and no food or water. One cage contained a mother and eight newborn puppies.
The main house contained a total of eleven adult canines, some caged together. Deputy Dog Wardens described the conditions of the house as unlivable. The odor was strong enough to burn their eyes and take away their breath. Conditions were so horrendous that Deputy Dog Wardens had to leave the structure numerous times to catch their breath.
Rhonda Murphy, the owner and operator of Animal Friends Humane Society , faces dozens of charges of neglect and cruelty to companion animals, both felony and misdemeanor.
