Buffalo, N.Y. (WBEN) - Charges are pending against a person who signed over nearly three dozen dogs and a cat to the SPCA Serving Erie County after a mandated reporting agency checked on the condition of a home in Buffalo.
Gina Lattuca at the SPCA Serving Erie County tells WBEN officers received a call Friday afternoon from a mandated reporting agency responding to a call at a home on Niagara Street. "When they went into the property, they saw several dogs, some severely matted, some unable to see. We can't even tell the breeds of some of the dogs because of the heavy feces filled mattes on," says Lattuca. She says officers brought back 34 dogs and a cat to the SPCA serving Erie County, adding all of the animals have been signed over.
Lattuca says once the animals are calmed down and used to the new environment at the SPCA, crews will start slowly examining them, seeing if any of them are experiencing malnutrition or dehydration. "We'll check for touch sensitivity, it appears that some of them may have to be sedated before they're shaved because the masks are so severe and so tightly embedded in the skin looks like it may be impossible to handle the mattes while some of them are awake," notes Lattuca.
Lattuca says the dogs' coats are in rough shape, as the mattes are filled with waste. "The mattes on the longer haired dog that looks like there may be a pound or two worth of matte on some of these dogs," says Lattuca.
Lattuca says any professional groomers who can help are asked to email grooming@yourspca.org.