JEFFERSON — The Marion County Humane Society is in the process of moving animals who were not properly being cared for at their shelter in Jefferson.
According to Laura Romine of the Marion County Humane Society, the animals were found to be living in 'dire' conditions with many of them being underweight and unhealthy. Several animals also suffered from worms after not seeing a veterinarian for vaccination.
Several social media posts show pictures of cages flooded with water and trash. Other social media posts allege bodies of dead dogs were being kept in freezers on the site. The posts have caused outrage in the Marion County community.
Romine says only one person, living at the shelter site, was responsible for the care of the animals. That person has since been removed from the board and has been ordered to vacate the property. However, Romine denies any of the animals suffered from abuse.
Romine also says there is no active investigation into the Marion County Humane Society and the society is working with the city.
The animals are in the process of being transported to other facilities. The animals are now cleaned twice a day and are walked daily.
The Marion County Humane Society is calling on people to help adopt and foster the animals. As a result, the organization is waiving adoption fees for animals rescued from the Dixie shelter.
Perspective families will need to pass a background check and sign a contract promising to take the animal to the vet immediately. The society also reserves the right to check up on the animal's help.
