Humane society takes possession of dogs seized at Lower Valley Pike shelter

SPRINGFIELD — The Clark County Humane Society has taken custody of more than 350 dogs seized from a local animal shelter last month, a move that officials say will allow them to find permanent homes for the animals.

The 367 animals were found in mid-February at One More Chance Rescue, 8393 Lower Valley Pike, where they were reportedly being kept in poor conditions in hog cages inside a barn. Investigators found large amounts of feces and urine, a rat infestation and poor air quality.

An additional 76 dogs were found dead at the Lower Valley location.

The dogs were surrendered to the Humane Society March 4, said Anita Biles of the Clark County Combined Health District.

The move will allow officials to find homes for and transfer the dogs to permanent facilities, she said.

The dogs found at the shelter were taken to better facilities at the Franklin County Fairgrounds, where they are currently being cared for.

The seizure and relocation was a joint effort by the Clark County Humane Society and Clark County Combined Health District officials with the backing of the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals.

One More Chance operator Jeff Burgess was given 28 days to clean up the shelter after the health district declared the property a public nuisance Feb. 17.

Officials have said that criminal charges could follow.

Contact this reporter at (937) 328-0360 or vlough@coxohio.com.

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