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  • This dog is one of 10 that were abandoned at Enid's SPCA over a two-day period. The dogs will require special feeding and veterinary care before they can be adopted. (Staff Photo by CASS RAINS)

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June 8, 2010

Abandoned: 10 malnourished, flea-infested dogs left in crates, tied near Enid SPCA shelter

By Cass Rains, Staff Writer Enid News and Eagle

ENID — In a 48-hour period, 10 dogs were abandoned at or near Enid Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals shelter.

Shelter Director Vickie Fox said seven small dogs were left in three small animal crates near a trash container and were found about 8 a.m. Tuesday. Another emaciated dog was found about two hours later in a field behind the shelter with its leash staked to the ground. Two other animals had been tied to a fence post at the end of the sidewalk for the shelter.

“They were all flea-covered with skin infections and some mange issues,” she said of the abandoned animals.

The animals were emaciated and malnourished. The dogs’ fur was matted, in some cases so badly it tore their fur from their skin. All of the animals  had collars, and one dog’s fur was embedded in its collar.

“In the worst cases we’re feeding them small amounts every hour,” Fox said. “The other ones we’re feeding them several small meals a day.”

She said the worst cases were being fed a bland diet because their digestive systems couldn’t handle rich foods after being deprived of nourishment for so long.

The shelter spent nearly all of Tuesday bathing and caring for the animals.

“They’ve all been so patient,” Fox said. “It’s like they know what we are doing.”

Fox said abandoning any animals, no matter where, is a misdemeanor, punishable by a $100 to $500 fine and/or a year in county jail. She said if anyone recognized the animals they should contact the shelter at 233-1325 or Enid Police Department at 242-7000.

“We just want to know if somebody recognizes them,” Fox said.

She said the shelter will need help caring for the animals, most of which will require antibiotics for skin infections. Donations can be made at the shelter, 1116 Overland Trail, and donations also can be made online at the shelter’s website www.enidspca.org through PayPal by clicking the Make a Donation section.

Fox said donations of Kuranda beds, or raised animals beds, can be made to the shelter’s through Kuranda’s website. A link to the site also is available on the SPCA’s website.

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