The Kent County Animal Shelter is currently overseeing the welfare of 19 dogs that were rescued from a pickup truck where they were found living in squalid conditions. In response to a call about the dogs on October 14, police discovered the animals in a red Chevy Silverado parked at a Dollar Tree in Walker. The owner of the dogs, Carolyn Newsome, is facing charges of animal abuse.
After being surrendered by Newsome, who pleaded not guilty and agreed to surrender the animals, the dogs are being prepared for adoption, having received necessary medical evaluations and care. KCAS Director Angela Hollinshead noted, as per WZZM 13 that "Many of the dogs have friendly dispositions and, once cleared, are likely to be adopted quickly." The shelter currently provides care for 94 dogs, which is a strain on their resources.
Newsome, the former owner of the dogs, was charged with failing to provide ten or more animals with adequate animal control, a felony that could result in up to four years in prison, a fine of $5,000, and 500 hours of community service, as detailed by WOOD TV. After being found with no water and in unhygienic conditions, the dogs were taken into the care of KCAS, where they were readied for adoption.
With 30 of these dogs already primed for adoption, KCAS has announced a special adoption fee of $50 effective through December 1. This fee includes a QR smart Kent County dog license, an extra month of prescription flea and tick preventative, and heartworm preventative treatment. According to Hollinshead in an interview, as reported by WZZM 13, "We currently have 94 dogs in our care, and knowing that we can begin the path to adoption for this new group of dogs is a huge relief." Hollinshead also emphasized the shelter's commitment to assisting potential owners in finding the right pet to bring into their home.
