By Jessica Barron
KRQE

ESPAÑOLA, N.M. – A northern New Mexico animal shelter has their hands full after taking in more than a dozen malnourished dogs found in a hoarding case in Sandoval County.

More than a dozen kennels at the Española Humane Society are now filled with dogs saved from a crowded home. According to the shelter, 45 Australian Shepherds were found living inside a Sandoval County home in a hoarding case.

“The conditions of the dogs has been really variable; some of them are pretty healthy other than being quite thin and then some of them have some pretty serious stuff going on,” said Española Humane Communications Director Mattie Allen.

Allen said some of the animals are deaf, blind, and even have severe skin conditions. While Allen said it’s been a big undertaking, the community has stepped in to help.

“I know a lieutenant took home some bottle baby puppies to feed them and make sure they made it, so everybody is just doing what they can where they can,” explained Allen.

Allen said one of the rescued dogs, Ruby, has been enrolled in the Paws in the Pens program at the state penitentiary in Santa Fe. The program allows inmates to train dogs for eight weeks, before getting them ready for adoption.

“She’s going to learn a pretty impressive list of cues and behaviors that will all be cued by hand signals,” stated Allen.

Allen said, although this whole situation is heartbreaking, she’s thankful for the community’s support.

“It’s something that never really leaves you. Those scenes and those memories, and I’m just so grateful that there’s so many people out there that are willing to help and become a small part of these dog’s journey,” said Allen.

Allen said 13 of the dogs have already been adopted, and they will be taking in about 10 more animals this week. If you would like to help, they’re asking for donations including dog food, puppy pads, and toys.

To see the newscast of the story, click here:
https://www.krqe.com/news/new-mexico/espanola-humane-takes-in-neglected-dogs-rescued-from-a-hoarding-case/amp/