Rescued Shih Tzus won’t be put down, says DoA
Shih Tzu dog (file photo)
(CNS): The Department of Agriculture (DoA) is still looking for homes for some of the 16 Shih Tzu breed dogs that were recently rescued from a home in George Town and has confirmed that none of them will be put down. People have already come forward to adopt most of the young dogs, aged between one and three years old, that were all discovered in appalling conditions after a joint investigation conducted by the DoA, the Department of Children and Family Services (DCFS) and the Department of Environmental Health (DEH).
After being made aware of the very unsatisfactory welfare and sanitary conditions in which the dogs were being kept, the owners agreed to voluntarily surrender them. The dogs were all examined by a veterinarian and appeared to be well fed but very dirty and smelly as a result of the unsanitary conditions.
“The living conditions in which these animals were found was untenable, and we are grateful to DCFS for alerting us to this situation,” said DoA Director Adrian Estwick. “We were able to move quickly to remove the animals from the home and are now working with various animal rescue and charity groups in an effort to have as many of the dogs as possible fostered or adopted into loving homes.
“One dog was suffering from a chronic eye condition and will need surgery; however we are very pleased to report that it has been fostered by a local veterinarian, who will ensure the animal receives the medical treatment and care that it needs,” Estwick explained, as he thanked Must Love Dogs for donating grooming services to the small breed dogs and the Cayman Islands Humane Society for their continued partnership in these types of rescue operations.
“We are happy as all indications are that we will be able to find homes for all these animals soon,” he said.
For more information about adopting or fostering one or more of the rescued dogs, contact the DoA on ciagriculture@gov.ky.
Category: Local News
I had one of these cross-bred with a Poodle. It was a ShihtPoo.
Aren’t these expensive dogs that if sold would fetch a tidy sum for the owners? Will the owners who were encouraged to give them up be compensated?. Hope so especially if they are low income.
Puppy mills are illegal and immoral. They should be fined quadruple for their terrible attempt to make money.
Make good soup.
I went to a zoo once. There was only 1 animal…
….It was a Shih Tzu
Did you have to answer your own joke! Lol
.. it was a thoroughly disappointing experience.
What a BIG job that Must Love Dogs took on to groom those poor stinkers. Good job Aims! And a huge pat on the backs of your staff that did all of that work!
Thank you thank you thank you
Why are these any different to other “big” dogs that are mid-treated and end up at the humane society?
I’m sure you have some ideas
It’s not different. It’s just more newsworthy because of the ridiculous number involved, and the obvious attempt at a puppy mill.
The story may also get more press, as these smaller dogs are easier to rehome.
Adopt. Don’t shop ever, especially from cretins who aim to make a quick buck.
I have a neighbor I need to annoy, I’ll takem.
I won’t say “can the original owners be put down”, but what is wrong with people???
There is so much ignorance and stupidity on these islands when it comes to animal welfare.
Well done to all parties who came to the rescue!
When will Cayman take animal cruelty serious? Are the owner(s) going to be fined or punished in anyway? Do these deplorables have children that need help too?
The CI needs to get a handle on animals here. Stray dogs or dogs owned by people that roam freely need to be picked up, fixed, and impounded. The only way to stop the over populated dog issue. Stray cats need captured as well and fixed. Our neighbors let their dogs run free and are not fixed. That should be a crime for the nuisance and the improper care of animals.
Dear Editor,
The local veterinarian referred to in this article is Dr. Olivia Benjamin, a bright young Caymanian doctor who works at The Veterinary Clinic & Specialy Boarding located in the Countryside Shopping Village, Savannah. She is a competent and thoughtful general practitioner who demonstrates a great deal of tender compassion for her patients. Following a comprehensive examination and diagnostic work-up of the pet’s condition, she has begun treatment of his eye. He has been named “Percy” and is the most adorable and adaptive furry critter that one will ever hope to encounter. We are exceedingly proud of Dr. Olivia as she diligently fosters and brings this dog back to the best health, possible. Like so many veterinarians world wide who are unwavering in their desire to help pets and their owners she may one day be described as an unsung heroine. Even if I may say so myself.
Sincerely,
Dr. Alfred Benjamin
Retired Chief Agricultural & Veterinary Officer
Current Owner of The Veterinary Clinic & Specialty Boarding
Countryside Shopping Village. Savannah
Just put them down already. There’s no room at the inn.