21 starving dogs rescued near Point Mac

MAT-SU—Twenty-one emaciated dogs, and one dead dog, were seized from a property near Point MacKenzie today (April 25) by Matanuska-Susitna Borough Animal Care officers.

A chain around the chest of one dog had worked its way into flesh. The dogs were skinny and chained to posts.

An unknown caller tipped off Animal Care to the dogs on Monday. After checking out the complaint, Animal Care got a search warrant to collect the animals at 11213 Lewis Loop off Point MacKenzie Road.

Alaska State Troopers were asked to stand by but ended up arresting the owner on an unrelated warrant.

The MAT-SU Vet, Dr. Lisa Espey, will likely spend the day evaluating the dogs, which are a Husky mix. The Huskies vary in ages. Some are pups, under a year old.

This is the third large animal seizure within the past 12 months, Chief of Animal Care Dave Allison said.

The influx of dogs at the already crowded shelter means other dogs might lose a chance at adoption. Animal Care has to house the Huskies as evidence until the court process runs its course, which could take time.

On average, the shelter takes in 50 more animals per month over last year.

Service calls have risen 10 percent every year for the past four years, Allison said.

For more information call Animal Care Chief Dave Allison 745-5343.