Urgent Rescue Operation Saves Hundreds of Dogs from Mississippi Property
Animal welfare organisations are engaged in a desperate race against time to rescue more than 200 dogs from a horrific rural property in Mississippi before a severe winter storm sweeps across the United States. The urgent operation, spearheaded by the New York-based non-profit Paws of War, aims to remove all animals from appalling conditions ahead of dangerous weather.
Scene Described as "House of Horrors"
Robert Misseri, co-founder of Paws of War, described the scene at the Tupelo, Mississippi property as a "house of horrors" after his team reached the location on Wednesday. He recounted finding skeletal remains of dogs decomposing in the yard, widespread faeces throughout the property, and animals living both inside and outside the residence in utterly appalling conditions.
"It's rewarding seeing them come off the property for the first time, knowing that they will ultimately wind up on someone's couch," Misseri said. "But to think that they suffered up there for all these years in silence." His voice trailed off as he reflected on the animals' prolonged suffering.
Multi-Organisation Rescue Effort Underway
The Lee County Sheriff's Office enlisted the assistance of Paws of War in rehoming the neglected animals, triggering a massive coordinated rescue effort. By Thursday evening, approximately 60 dogs had been taken in by nine different shelters across the region. Meanwhile, Paws of War dispatched several trucks to transport 45 dogs back to New York for further care and eventual adoption.
Further support arrived from the Northshore Humane Society in Louisiana, whose team traveled over 300 miles to the Tupelo area on Wednesday for what they named "Operation: Tupelo Tails." Thirteen dogs are now under their care, though the organisation faces challenges with heating at their facility.
Evidence of Severe Neglect and Fighting
Scott Bernier, CEO of the Northshore Humane Society, highlighted the grim reality facing many of the rescued dogs. "A lot of these dogs have scars on their faces, which is evidence that they were probably sparring with the other dogs for food," he stated. "So it's a bad condition. Not something we ever like to see."
Veterinary technician Scout Cannizzaro noted that some dogs presented with upper respiratory infections and various skin conditions. Bernier anticipates discovering heartworm in others as medical evaluations continue.
Urgent Need for Foster Homes Before Storm
The Northshore Humane Society is now urgently seeking foster homes as their facility struggles with heating issues. However, Bernier assured that any animals remaining at the shelter during the impending storm would be kept warm and safe through alternative arrangements.
Paws of War continues its overnight efforts to secure shelter for the remaining dogs before the winter storm hits. Misseri's team is also searching for any skittish animals that may have fled the property, estimating the total number of dogs needing rescue could potentially reach 300.
Misseri vowed that no dog would be left outside during the impending storm, appealing to other shelters across the country for assistance. "We weren't prepared for this," he admitted, acknowledging the scale of the emergency operation.
The Lee County Sheriff's Office did not immediately respond to requests for comment on Thursday regarding the ongoing investigation into the property conditions.
