SEVIER COUNTY Close/Confiscation from Star J Farms

Physical conditions of recently rescued dogs vary

By: CANDICE GRIMM, Staff Writer July 04, 2004

KODAK - The physical condition of the 50 dogs rescued Thursday from a Bryan
Road property varies, according to Jayne Vaughn, executive director of Sevier
County Humane Society Animal Shelter. 

In a news release issued Friday, Vaughn said nearly 60 dogs and seven animals
in the rodent family were surrendered by the owners of Star J Farms after
being notified June 25 to vacate the property formerly known as Tails of the
Wild, an exotic animal exhibit.

Vaughn characterized Star J Farms as an animal rescue enterprise that
originally got the dogs from other area dog rescue facilities, including Monroe
County Humane Society, which is a no-kill facility.

"The owners of the animals are to be commended for their cooperation and
voluntary surrender of the animals to Sevier County Sheriff's Department, which
then surrendered them to the Humane Society," said Vaughn.

Vaughn said many of the animals were running at large in the complex, and
others were kept in various enclosures designed to house exotic animals. "One of
the enclosures has a large, deep moat" which Vaughn said some of the dogs were
rescued from after having fallen into it over the past few days.

Without separate enclosures, Vaughn said many of the dogs had formed packs
and "had taken to fighting while attempting to establish dominance." While some
of the dogs have been spayed or neutered, Vaughn said many are not and were
breeding on the property.

Tags worn by many of the dogs were initially thought to be rabies tags but
were found to be identification tags. Vaughn's release stated that while most of
the dogs appear to have been well fed, some suffer from mange, others have
various skin disorders, and several females are pregnant.

"It is the policy of the Humane Society not to disclose the disposition of
animals after they are surrendered to the society," said Vaughn.

"The animals acquired from Star J Farms will receive the same care, respect
and consideration as any other animal that comes into the custody of the humane
society."

Each animal will be evaluated for overall health and temperament to determine
adoptability, and Vaughn said some have already been determined to be
adoptable.

"Capacity at the animal shelter and a lack of qualified homes remains a
challenge - particularly at this time of year when we are receiving extreme numbers
of animals from the public," said Vaughn.

While Vaughn called the situation unfortunate and a case of good intentions
gone awry, she said this often happens when private enterprises and some
no-kill humane societies become custodians of more animals than can properly be
cared for.

"Sadly, a humane death is too often the only option we have for these
animals. However, better a humane death than to become victims of cruelty and suffering," said Vaughn.

Because the crisis has put an extreme financial strain on the humane
society's tight budget, Vaughn said she hopes the community will help them meet the
needs of these animals.

Donations may be sent to Sevier County Humane Society, P.O. Box 976, Pigeon
Forge, TN 37868.

* cgrimm@themountainpress.com