Large-Scale Animal Cruelty Case in Jones County

This press release comes from The Humane Society of the United States

HATTIESBURG, MISS. - The Humane Society of the United States is assisting the Jones County Sheriff’s Department in removing more than 65 dogs and 30 cats from a large-scale alleged cruelty situation in Jones County, Mississippi. The Mississippi Department of Wildlife, Fisheries and Parks and Southern Cross Animal Rescue is also participating in the rescue.

The Jones County Sheriff’s Department served a search and seizure warrant on a 161-acre property at approximately 7 a.m. on July 11. Nearly 100 animals were found on the property. The animals appear to suffer from a lack of veterinary care and were housed in conditions typically seen in severe neglect situations.

The Humane Society of the United States’ Animal Rescue Team is safely transporting the animals to a temporary emergency shelter in a nearby location, where they will be examined by a veterinarian and receive any necessary immediate medical treatment. RedRover responders will be assisting in the caretaking of the animals at the temporary shelter.

“All animals should have access to adequate veterinary care and none should be forced to live in conditions like we have seen today,” said Sára Varsa, vice president of the Humane Society of the United States Animal Rescue Team. “We are thankful to the Southern Cross Animal Rescue and other organizations that have answered the call to help these animals.”

The assistance of the Humane Society of the United States was requested by the Jones County Sheriff’s Department, after concerns about the welfare of animals on the property were raised by representatives of Southern Cross Animal Rescue.

“The Jones County Sheriff’s Department works to give the citizens of Jones County a safe place to live, and that is not limited to the people. Our pets are our family and deserve a healthy atmosphere. Situations like these, though this particular incident seems quite massive, are more than unfortunate, they are unfair and unnecessary. My Department heeded the urgency from SCAR about these animals and took action with the help of the Humane Society of the United States,” states Jones County Sheriff, Alex Hodge.

A generous donation has been made by the Alex and Elisabeth Lewyt Charitable Trust to support the expert care and supplies needed for the rescued animals.

Text GIVING to 20222 to donate $10* to the Humane Society of the United States’ Animal Rescue Team to support the organization’s efforts in this and other animal rescues.