MORE THAN 40 DOGS REMOVED FROM DEPLORABLE BOARDING FACILITY IN ELROD,

On July 23, 2024, the Greater Birmingham Humane Society (GBHS) responded to a case that gained widespread attention after a TikTok video went viral, exposing deplorable conditions at a facility in Tuscaloosa County. As the designated Emergency Response Team for our area, we immediately mobilized into action. After coordinating with the owning rescues and shelters to have the dogs legally signed into our care, we gathered our team and set out to rescue the animals.

Upon arriving at the scene, GBHS found over 40 animals confined to crates in a barn, enduring horrific conditions. Many of the dogs were suffering from severe malnutrition and skin issues, with some even bearing bullet wounds. They were forced to live on dirt floors and eat out of holes in the ground, highlighting the extreme neglect they endured. While we successfully rescued all the animals on site, we remain deeply concerned for others who were reportedly at the facility but were not present during our operation. Despite an extensive search of the premises, these animals were not located, and we fear they may have died due to the conditions.

With support from the Bissell Pet Foundation, GBHS safely transported the rescued animals back to Birmingham. At the GBHS Critical Care Clinic, they received immediate medical attention, including treatment for their wounds and care for their overall health and well-being.

This rescue also serves as a sobering reminder of the dangers of transporting animals to unvetted facilities. GBHS is committed to being vocal about the need for rigorous standards and oversight in animal transport and care, ensuring such cases are prevented in the future.

Thanks to the swift action of our team and partners, these animals are now on the road to recovery, receiving the compassion and care they deserve. GBHS remains steadfast in our mission to protect and advocate for animals in every community we serve. Donate to aid in our continued response to cases like these gbhs.org/donate!

MONICA’S JOURNEY TO BECOMING ANGEL

Monica, a 7-year-old poodle mix, came into the care of our GBHS Critical Care and Control Facility in heartbreaking condition. Surrendered by her owner, Monica was so matted that it was impossible to tell what kind of dog she was. The mats ranged in size from small, quarter-sized tangles to large, golf ball-sized clumps. Her feet were so severely matted that she had to walk timidly, unable to feel the ground beneath her paws. These mats restricted her ability to move, see, and experience the simple joys of life.

Our team worked quickly to remove the mats, freeing Monica from the physical pain and discomfort she had endured for so long. Following this transformation, Monica entered our foster program to adjust to her newfound freedom and learn to enjoy life again.

After her time in foster care, Monica’s life changed forever. She was adopted by the Stocks, a loving family who has given her a life filled with love and adoration. Monica now goes by a new name, Angel—a name that suits her perfectly.

Today, Angel is thriving in her forever home, cherished beyond words by her family. Her transformation is a powerful reminder of why we do what we do at GBHS. Stories like Angel’s inspire us to continue our mission, giving animals the care, compassion, and second chances they so deeply deserve.

Thank you to everyone who supports GBHS, making happy endings like Angel’s possible. Together, we’re creating brighter futures for animals in need.

FREEZE: A DOODLE SAVED BY LOVE AND LAW

On August 8th, 2024, GBHS was made aware of a tragic case of animal cruelty in Pelham, Alabama, involving Freeze, a doodle who suffered unimaginable abuse at the hands of his owner. Freeze was found with severe gashes and cuts inflicted by sheep shears, and his Achilles tendon had been cruelly severed. Freeze was on the brink of death, and without the quick thinking of a concerned neighbor, he would have died. Despite the horrific circumstances, the responding Pelham police officer’s quick actions—applying a tourniquet and administering first aid—ensured Freeze had a fighting chance to survive.

The case was heart-wrenching. In recent news footage, the blatant disregard of Freeze’s owner is evident, as he knowingly inflicted this abuse and sat idly by the dog suffered. This level of cruelty is both shocking and unacceptable. Thankfully, justice was swift, and the owner was promptly arrested.

Freeze faced an uncertain future. His injuries were so severe that amputation was a real possibility. The surgery required to save his leg was both intricate and costly, with recovery expenses reaching thousands of dollars. Yet, thanks to the dedication of skilled veterinary teams, Freeze underwent a successful procedure to repair his tendon.

Today, Freeze is living a new chapter of his life. He has made an incredible recovery and now resides with a loving new family in Chattanooga, Tennessee. Even with his External Fixator inhibiting his mobility, that doesn’t stop Freeze from giving his visitors all kinds of love.

This story, while tragic in its origins, is a testament to the resilience of animals and the compassion of those who work tirelessly to save them.

GBHS extends its deepest gratitude to the Pelham Police Department for their rapid response and to the community for supporting Freeze on his road to recovery. Together, we stand as advocates for animals like Freeze, ensuring they receive the justice, care, and love they deserve.

HOARDING AND CRUELTY SITUATION IN WINSON COUNTY, AL

On September 16, 2024, the Greater Birmingham Humane Society (GBHS) received a call to assist with the removal of dogs living in horrendous hoarding conditions at a residence in Winston County. The situation was devastating: more than 70 dogs were found sick, injured, and starving to the point of attacking each other for survival.

The conditions at the property were extreme. The house itself was caving in, with one of the walls completely collapsed, leaving the interior exposed to the elements. There was no power at the residence, and fallen power lines posed additional hazards on the backside of the property. The home was surrounded by a sea of garbage, in which the animals were forced to live. Inside the house, contamination and filth were so severe that our team had to wear protective gear to shield themselves from the pollutants as well as from the dense overgrowth of trees and bushes encroaching on the structure.

Despite the grim circumstances, the GBHS Emergency Response Team worked tirelessly to rescue the animals and transport them to safety.

Among the dogs saved was Natalie, a very pregnant mother requiring urgent medical attention. Thanks to the quick response of our team, Natalie was transported to one of our incredible rescue partners, RUFF Rescue. There, she received the care she desperately needed. Today, Natalie has made a full recovery and is thriving alongside her puppies in a safe and loving environment.

This mission underscores the importance of our Emergency Response Team and the resilience of the animals we rescue. We are deeply grateful for our dedicated partners and the community support that makes these lifesaving efforts possible. GBHS remains steadfast in our mission to provide a second chance to animals in need, offering them the opportunity to heal, thrive, and find loving homes.

We will continue to share updates on these rescued animals as they progress on their path to recovery.

GABBY’S JOURNEY SO FAR

Gabby’s journey began in heartbreak. She was found abandoned outside our GBHS Animal Care and Control facility, a silent victim of unthinkable cruelty. It’s believed that wire or a shoelace had been tightly tied around her snout, leaving deep, excruciating wounds that cut all the way down to her gums and bone.

Gabby also suffered from urine burns on her paws and atrophy to her legs which all was a clear indication of severely restricted confinement, such as a small crate. It is very clear to our GBHS medical team that Gabby had been confined this way for a long time, possibly her whole life.

Despite the pain she must have felt, Gabby greeted our team with gentle eyes and continued to give kisses to our team, her trust in humans nothing short of extraordinary.

Now safe in our care, Gabby is beginning a new chapter. Though her road to recovery will be long, her spirit remains unbroken. Even after everything she’s endured, she hasn’t lost her faith in humanity. Gabby’s story reminds us of the incredible strength of animals and the power of compassion to heal even the deepest wounds.

Resources

Learn more about the link between animal abuse and violence against humans.