Some of the 46 dogs rescued from the Rhode Island home are dying, the animal rights group says

MIDDLETOWN, RI (WJAR) — Several dogs recently rescued from a hoarding situation in a Rhode Island home did not survive.

The dogs captured the hearts of people across the state when they were rescued from a Pawtucket home last month. Although the majority are now doing well, unfortunately some could not be saved.

The Rhode Island Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (RISPCA) said about seven of the dogs died at its various shelters to help them recover.

Our suspicion is that these dogs are so terribly inbred that they will always remain vulnerable,” said Wayne Kezirian, president of the RISPCA. “We suspected that these animals may have a blood clotting disease. We did test for that, the test was negative and we continued with other operations. When they came out of the operating room they were more stressed than normal, so there is something going on with these guys that is not normal.”

The dogs are cared for at several rescues across the state, including the RISPCA, Potter League and the Providence Animal Rescue League.

It hurts our hearts, but it is joyful when we see them go home,” said Todd Cramer of the Potter League. ‘It is very rewarding to see these dogs matted, without proper care, uncomfortable, unhappy and miserable, and to change that. all around.”

Some dogs are already being adopted.

They have exceeded all our expectations,” said Scout Clode of the Providence Animal Rescue League. “They are one of the nicest groups of dogs we have ever received. They will make a great addition to anyone’s home.”

Others have just completed their spay and neuter surgeries.

There’s someone here who just came out of the operating room and is wagging his or her tail,” Kezirian said. “They’re friendly, they’re happy, but they’re not socialized and they need some work.”

But not everyone has been so lucky. A handful of the 46 rescued dogs have died.

At the Providence Animal Rescue League, one had advanced cancer.

Unfortunately, she had to be humanely euthanized. She was really suffering and there was nothing we could have done for her,” Clode said.

Many of the others who have died suffered postoperative complications during the spay and neuter process.

We thought one of the younger animals was in good condition and was in good condition and did not survive the night,” Kezirian said. “They didn’t do nearly as well coming out of surgery, even though we paid significant post-operative costs. I paid attention to them and did some additional tests before the operation. They’re just — these guys are just vulnerable.”

Many of Rhode Island’s animal rescues are operating at or near full capacity, but all still work together to get these dogs the care they need.

However, they said the cost of caring for rescuers in such poor conditions increases.

“We are so grateful for the community that supports us,” Cramer said. “We’re very lucky to have that. And we’ve had volunteers step up to help. We’ve had people contribute to the cost of care, which is getting very expensive and of course people who adopt and die to try to get them home and they know that they can really get that place that they deserve.”

Each organization tries to get the dogs in their care adopted. They said some dogs might need more patience and care, just like them

“Many of them are not familiar with walking on a leash, they are not familiar with loud noises without being in public, maybe climbing stairs, just a little extra patience, teaching them how to do these things.”

They said donations also help them continue to help dogs like these.

“Donations are always welcome. All of the agencies we deal with are largely funded by private donations,” Kezirian said. “The costs of caring for these animals are significant.”