Latest news with #AnchorageAnimalCareandControl
Yahoo
04-06-2025
- Yahoo
Woman charged with 73 counts of animal neglect in case that swamped Anchorage shelter
Jun. 4—A South Anchorage resident is facing 73 misdemeanor counts of animal neglect after authorities discovered dozens of dogs living in inhumane conditions at her home. The case prompted the seizure of 71 dogs and two birds from the home off Lore Road in the Abbott Loop neighborhood, doubling the Anchorage Animal Care and Control shelter's dog population and putting the facility over capacity. Monika Marshall, 47, was arrested May 22 after Anchorage police, with municipal animal control officers, entered her home in response to a report of animal neglect, according to a probable cause statement included with an informational charging document. The police department late last month called the situation "one of the most severe neglect cases we've encountered." Officers could smell urine from 25 feet away and observed a black liquid seeping from a garage door, the probable cause statement said. Upon entering the house, it said, they saw urine and feces on every wall and were forced to put on gas masks before returning inside "due to the overwhelming odor." Entering the home's lower level was difficult due to the "sheer volume" of animals blocking doors and coming out of cramped, unsanitary spaces, the statement said. Marshall was arrested that day and appeared in court the next day. She was released on her own recognizance, according to a filing in the case. The municipal charges against her were filed on Monday. Her next court appearance is scheduled for July. Marshall did not respond to a request for comment on Wednesday. The seized dogs range from 2 weeks to 6 years old and are mostly Lab-retriever mixes, according to Melissa Summerfield, shelter manager for Anchorage Animal Care & Control. Two parakeets also taken from the home were picked up by a rescue, Summerfield said. Last month, shelter officials said the seized dogs were under "protective custody" and could not be put up for adoption. They asked the public to help by adopting or fostering available animals to reduce crowding and offered lower adoption fees. Officials said they were reaching out to other shelters and rescues for help, as well as to the community, to avoid euthanizing any animals. By Wednesday, 29 dogs seized from the home remained at the shelter, Summerfield said in an email. Marshall chose to surrender all of the animals, which has allowed animal care to evaluate them for adoption, she said. The shelter returned to normal operating levels within three days of the seizure "thanks to the 60 dogs adopted in just one weekend!" Summerfield wrote in the email. "We have also been able to connect with other statewide shelters and rescues to get animals transferred out of our care." No animals had to be euthanized due to the seizure, she said, crediting the support of the community as well as rescue organizations. The remaining dogs from the home are not socialized and some are "taking a little bit longer to warm up to the new environment and new people," Summerfield said. "There may be a few that need to be placed in foster care for a few weeks to be socialized prior to adoption but we are hopeful that all 71 dogs will be able to be placed successfully."
Yahoo
26-05-2025
- General
- Yahoo
Alaska Police Save 71 Dogs Found Crammed Inside One House from 'Unimaginable Conditions'
Alaska authorities are working hard to help dozens of dogs get fresh starts. On May 23, the Anchorage Police Department shared an urgent notice on social media, letting its followers know that officers recently "assisted Anchorage Animal Care and Control (AACC) in the seizure of approximately 70 dogs from a single residence, one of the most severe neglect cases we've encountered." According to the police department, "the animals were found in unimaginable conditions." The post did not provide details about the conditions, but noted that "neglect charges are pending" in connection with the case. The Anchorage Police Department added that the dogs are safe at AACC but still need help. "AACC is now operating at nearly three times its standard capacity. They need our help, and they need it now," the agency wrote in its social media post, advising followers to help the shelter by adopting or fostering a pet and donating funds and supplies. "These animals have been through so much, and with the shelter stretched beyond its limits, it's difficult to give each one the care and attention they truly deserve. If you're able to open your heart or your home, even temporarily, please consider fostering a dog. Your kindness can make a world of difference and help create space for others in need," the Anchorage Police Department concluded in its May 23 post. AACC provided more details on the situation in a separate post. Yesterday, we seized 71 dogs from a single residence. These dogs are under protective custody at the shelter, which means they are not MOA property and cannot be placed for adoption at this time," AACC wrote in a Facebook post on May 23. "Our shelter is only built to humanely house 60-65 dogs, and we currently have 123 placed in the shelter." Like the Anchorage Police Department, AACC encouraged its followers to adopt or foster an available dog from the shelter to help alleviate the overcrowding issue. "Euthanizing is always our last resort, and we are trying everything we can, including reaching out to other shelters around the state, asking rescues for help, and getting our community involved. Unfortunately, if these resources don't work, euthanasia may be our only option to make sure we are meeting the standards of care," AACC added in its post. Thankfully, it appears AACC did not have to resort to euthanasia to handle the sudden influx of animals under its care. On the same day as its first post, AACC shared on Facebook that 17 dogs were adopted in just a few hours and that the 71 dogs seized from the single residence were now officially property of AACC, meaning the canines could begin "the evaluation process here at the shelter to be placed up for adoption." On May 25, the Anchorage Police Department followed this announcement with more good news. "Since Friday, over 45 dogs have been adopted, and countless donations of supplies, food, and support have come pouring in. Anchorage, your kindness has made all the difference," the department shared on social media. "While this mission had its share of tail wags and happy endings, it was a serious operation. Our officers were proud to support Animal Care & Control in ensuring these animals were safely removed from dangerous conditions and given a second chance," the agency said. To learn more about AACC, the pets they have available for adoption, and the shelter's life-saving work, visit AACC's website. Read the original article on People
Yahoo
17-04-2025
- Yahoo
Alaskans buy protection for pets as Mount Spurr rumbles toward possible volcanic eruption
ANCHORAGE, Alaska – We love our pets and worry about their safety during natural disasters, especially something as unique as a volcanic eruption. Scientists with the Alaska Volcano Observatory have said that Mount Spurr, a volcano located roughly 80 miles from Anchorage, is likely to erupt in the coming weeks or months based on elevated seismic activity. In the event of an eruption, scientists said, it's highly possible ash will make its way to Anchorage, causing issues with air quality and possibly disrupting travel. Alaska's Largest City Closely Watching Mount Spurr As Unrest Continues At Volcano Anchorage Animal Care and Control (ACC) took to Facebook to remind pet owners of what to do for their pets to help prep for an eruption. They said anyone who has a pet with preexisting eye, nose, skin or respiratory conditions should talk to their vet about how to protect their furry friend during an eruption. With that, Anchorage residents have been not only buying protective equipment for themselves, but also for their pets. These items include respirators, booties and goggles for their dogs. Oddler Survives Cold Night Alone In Arizona Wilderness After Being Found By Ranch Dog AK Bark, a pet supply shop in Anchorage, is one place selling these types of things for pups. Owner Mark Robokoff said he's already sold roughly 600 pairs of dog goggles and pre-sold 2,000 dog respirator masks in the weeks since it was announced an eruption could happen. "One of the advantages of being a small, locally owned business is that we can more quickly flex and pivot depending on local circumstances," Robokoff said. "And Alaska has a lot of weird circumstances." "We get earthquakes," he said. "We get weird weather, and occasionally one of our mountains will blow up." AK Bark sells two types of dog goggles. One is called Rex Specs, and another is called Doggles. Both brands are designed slightly differently, with Robokoff comparing Rex Specs to the look of ski goggles and Doggles to the look of swim goggles. He said they always carried the goggles, but they really only sold once a week or so for special cases. "They're generally more for adventure dogs," Robokoff said. "When they made the Mount Spurr announcement, we instantly sold out of what stock we had," he said. AK Bark arranged for expedited shipping to get more goggles in stock to help meet the demand for them. In addition to the goggles and respirators, the shop also carries full-body raincoats and booties for dogs, too. What Was The Most Destructive Volcanic Eruption In Us History? Anchorage ACC said pet owners should brush off any ash that gets on a pet's fur if an eruption happens. They also said dogs should be kept inside during ashfall. If they have to go out, put booties on their feet. Robokoff said the raincoats and booties, which AK Bark sells year-round, have been selling well because they can be used to protect the dog's skin and paws from any ash. "I've got all the gear for my dogs, of course," Robokoff said. He has three dogs himself. A Greyhound named Dutch and two Whippets named Dyllon and Peysa. How To Watch Fox Weather AVO said signs of unrest within Mount Spurr will increase leading up to an eruption, giving plenty of time to warn people. Robokoff said he and other locals are preparing their homes and cars, too. "We're preparing for, essentially, an inconvenience," he said. "The volcanic ash wreaks havoc with anything mechanical, anything with moving parts." According to the U.S. Geological Survey, ways to prepare for a volcanic eruption include moving vehicles and machinery under cover or placing a tarp over them to protect them from ash. Robokoff said in the event of an eruption there are a few things he's planning to do. "We're all just gonna huddle inside when that happens and try and get our dogs to pee before the ash starts to fall," he said. For more information on what to do during ashfall, the USGS has a list of recommendations: Stay indoors. Keep ash out of the house by keeping doors and windows shut. Shut down heat pumps and air conditioning units that draw outdoor air into the house. If outside, seek shelter (e.g. in a car or building). If exposed to ashfall, use a mask or cloth over the nose and mouth to help avoid inhaling ash. If possible, wear glasses instead of contact lenses as ash trapped behind lenses can damage your eyes. Do not overload phone networks with non-emergency calls. Seek information from official channels and follow any instructions from authorities. Click here for more information from the USGS on how to prepare and what to do during and after a volcanic article source: Alaskans buy protection for pets as Mount Spurr rumbles toward possible volcanic eruption
