25 skinny dogs rescued

LAZY MOUNTAIN -- Twenty-five emaciated dogs were rescued in the last two days from two properties on Lazy Mountain by the Matanuska-Susitna Borough Animal Care. Many of the dogs are so thin and dehydrated that they need fluids through an IV before they can stomach any food.

On May 2, officers contacted Doug Bartko who refused to allow the officers to inspect the animals after someone complained. Food was left with Bartko as the officers observed the dogs from a distance, and they appeared to be thin.

This dog lived on a short leash, just 12 inches.

 

On May 5, officers with Animal Care had a search warrant when they removed the dogs from  Bartko's residence on Lazy Mountain Drive near Palmer.

Officers found 12 dogs were malnourished and three more dogs were dead, their remains tossed over an embankment on the Bartko property. The officers also found it apparent that other dogs had been recently removed.

From this property, initially 12 dogs were seized for protective custody and one of the three dead dogs was also recovered for examination.

One of the Husky mixes removed from the lot.

A tip received on May 6,; led officers to a property located off Wolverine Road where a dead dog was seen being removed from the property. Officers learned from the property owner that Bartko had placed many dogs on the man's land over the weekend with the land owner's permission. The land owner advised the officers he did not know the condition of the dogs when they were placed on his land. The dogs had no food or water available., officers said.

Nine dogs were seized and taken into protective custody. All of these dogs were extremely emaciated, dehydrated and many had a variety of injuries.

The same day (Tuesday) officers attempted to make contact with Bartko at his residence. Upon their arrival they observed that four more dogs had been brought back to the property. A resident of the property allowed officers to examine them. These four dogs were also emaciated and dehydrated. The animals were placed into protective custody.

The 25 husky mix dogs are under veterinary care for a variety of untreated injuries, as well as dehydration, malnutrition, and parasites. The cause of death for the one dog is under investigation.

Animal Care cited Bartko for five counts of interference with an investigation, ten counts of failure to provide humane animal care. He has also been served a revocation notice of his kennel license, as well as, notice of the Borough's intent to retain the seized animals. Additional charges are pending including, failure to provide humane care, interference, and possible cruelty charges.

Because of this case, the dog population at the shelter is over capacity. Ten kennels have been set up outside to manage the influx of dogs. Animal Care is reducing its adoption fees for adoptable animals to aid in making room in the shelter: $20 off adoption of a dog, $15 off the adoption fee of a cat. The adoption fee includes spay or neuter, microchip and registration and shots plus a 5lb-bag of food. If you are interested in the adoption of a life-long friend please contact the shelter at 746-5500 or look at the adoptable pets on our web page at http://www.petharbor.com

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


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