44 dogs seized Tuesday in Iredell

IREDELL, N.C. — The Iredell County Animal Shelter is packed Wednesday night now that it has 44 extra dogs that were seized from a home in Statesville on Tuesday.

The dogs are all small breeds, most around 3 years old.

Iredell County Animal Services and Control said they got a tip that a woman was hoarding the animals at her home in Statesville.

Director Chris Royal said while many of the dogs were found inside, some lived in worse conditions.

"It was in the two-car garage where she had some of the animals, that was horrendous in there," said Royal.

Royal said the owner had gone through a personal tragedy and used hoarding as an outlet. She will not be charged.

Now the focus is on the dogs.

"We don't want to euthanize any dogs, and we're asking for the public help," said Royal.

After seeing the animals on the news, Joanna Buford made the drive from Charlotte.

"I am trying to give one of these puppies a good, happy home for Christmas," said Buford.

Most of the animals are in good condition, and Buford says it'll be a tough decision.

"Right now I'm debating on it, I'd like to get both ... but right now, I'm looking at this one a little more, but this one is a little bit more lap-doggish friendly," said Buford.

The goal is to get all of the dogs adopted before Christmas.

"We need people that can spend time with the dogs, give them love. Give them a lot of attention," said Royal.

It's law in Statesville that you cannot have more than five animals within city limits.

Anyone interested in adopting one of the dogs or any of the other animals at Iredell County Animal Services can go by the shelter at 430 Bristol Drive, Statesville, between the hours of 10:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday and 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday.

The shelter is closed Sundays and holidays.

For more information, call 704-879-5424.

WSOC