Rescued Chihuahuas poured out of cabinets, mattresses at GA home, animal group says

Georgia police and a local animal welfare group rescued 181 Chihuahuas from a home south of Atlanta over the weekend, outlets report.

Noah’s Ark Animal Sanctuary president Jama Hedgecoth called the situation “one of the most deplorable cases of animal hoarding” she’s ever seen, 11 Alive reported.

“The dogs were everywhere, literally coming out of kitchen cabinets and mattresses,” she said, describing the Butts County home where the nearly 200 Chihuahuas were living up until the Friday rescue.

A few were pregnant, some had fleas, but all were well fed and are being kept at the Noah’s Ark sanctuary in Locust Grove. Veterinary professionals will continue to monitor the dogs, treat them for parasites, and spay and neuter them, according to the station.

Hedgecoth founded the organization in 1978, according to the sanctuary’s website.

Because many of the dogs lack human socialization, they are in need of foster homes before they can be given up for permanent adoption, WSBTV reported. The animal sanctuary is asking for help from the public.

“I am grateful we have the staff, volunteers and resources to give these animals a new life. We will rely on our loyal donors to raise the money needed to provide medical treatment and rehab care for this many animals,” Hedgecoth said in a release.

Those interested in fostering one of the dogs, or making a donation to Noah’s Ark can call 770-957-0888, or visit the website.

The total number of Chihuahuas has grown to 184 since the rescue, as three puppies were born over the weekend, The Atlanta-Journal constitution reported. Another animal welfare organization took 30 additional dogs from the same home earlier that day.

There’s no word on charges, according to the outlet.

The Butts County Sheriff’s Office did not immediately respond to requests for comment from McClatchy News.

This story was originally published August 4, 2020 at 6:33 PM with the headline "Rescued Chihuahuas poured out of cabinets, mattresses at GA home, animal group says."