Hawaiian Humane Society
Newsletter People for animals. Animals for people.
June-August 2017
Rescued Waianae dogs triumph over suffering Last fall Hawaiian Humane Society’s investigators received a tip about hundreds of animals living in inhumane conditions in Waianae. Upon arrival to the property, the pungent smell of animal waste and rancid food reached them first. As the gates opened, Hawaiian Humane investigators were faced with a horrific sight. Dogs were living in their own filth, kept on chains in makeshift shelters without access to food or clean water. A few of them were sharing kennel space with rodents, both dead and alive. Others were found living in overcrowded cages, their paw pads digging into bare wire. Many of the animals were rail thin. Some too weak to stand. Ticks were found infesting their ears and bodies, all the way down to the space between their toes. Numerous dogs were suffering from lingering medical issues, including skin conditions, which left their fur patchy and their skin red and raw. Parasites made many anemic while other dogs were emaciated, their ribs and hip bones clearly visible. More than 300 animals were rescued over two days and transferred to the Hawaiian Humane Society for urgent care and medical attention. A number, barely clinging to life, were sent to nearby veterinary clinics for emergency medical treatment. In February 2017, after months of coordinating with the Honolulu Police Department and the Honolulu Prosecutor’s Office, the Hawaiian
Humane Society cited David “Lanny” Moore and June Moore each with 310 counts of animal cruelty in the second degree. The Hawaiian Humane Society moved forward to secure ownership of the animals.
Jafar charms his new family at the April 8 event.
According to the “Environmental Law Reporter 35,” housing, treating and caring for animals rescued from hoarding situations can be extremely expensive, particularly if they must be held for a prolonged period while criminal charges are pending. Indeed, the cost of the Society’s care of the animals over six months was great, including medical treatment expenses, food and continued veterinary and animal care. Hawaiian Humane foster care volunteers opened their homes to about 250 animals who lived with them during the ongoing investigation. The Society was finally granted ownership of 331 animals in late March. “We were pleased by the court’s decision, making animal welfare a priority,” said Pamela Burns, president & CEO of the Hawaiian Humane Society. “Good intentions
do not mean an organization is providing the care standards that the law requires.” Once the Hawaiian Humane Society was granted ownership of the dogs, the process to adopt was quickly implemented. The dogs were sterilized and many of them adopted by their foster families. An adoption event was held in early April for more than 30 of the rescued dogs. Families gathered to take home an animal with a story so heartbreaking, yet triumphant. Volunteers waited patiently with each dog, eager to share their story with potential families. Many were overcome with emotion, knowing that one chapter had closed for these dogs and another continued on page 5