Every Creature Counts received the following email on September 23..... Three volunteers are up on the Indian reservation right now getting dogs. They did a "sweep" in Pine Ridge yesterday, took 37 dogs out to the dump and shot them. They are doing another one today in Martin and these guys are trying to get up there to convince them to give the dogs to them instead of shooting them. If this works, it will be a pretty dramatic rescue, these dogs will literally be saved at the last minute. I am hoping that they make it in time. Sickening....
Immediately, we sprang into action and on September 24, 44 dogs were transferred to us from the Indian reservation in South Dakota - they came hungry, scared, unable to walk on a leash, and covered with fleas. Many of the females were pregnant or appeared to have had multiple litters. A number of them had signs of old, untreated injuries - but they were grateful for a warm place to be, food to eat and a chance at a home.
It is very hard to fathom the dog situation on the Reservation. One of our volunteers did a little more research on the subject. There is a huge dog overpopulation problem on the Pine Ridge Indian Reservation in South Dakota as well as on many Indian Reservations. In order to control the dog overpopulation problem, the Tribal Police perform what is called a sweep. Basically, the dogs are rounded up and then shot. They perform up to nine sweeps in the Fall and the same amount in the Spring. It is a very sad situation, not only how the dogs die but how they live. Most of them live on the streets with no home of their own, no shelter, no medical care and no consistent source of food. Since they are not spayed or neutered they continue to bred and give birth to more unwanted dogs. It is a very vicious cycle.
We did receive a great response and find foster homes for many of the dogs. A number have already found wonderful homes. We wish to thank all of the foster homes and everyone who opened their hearts and homes to these unfortunate dogs.
This week we received another 35 dogs from the same location. The volunteers were able to work with the Tribal Police ahead of a sweep. We are glad to report that the Tribal Police are now willing to work to save the dogs since they have other options.
We are looking for help for these sad creatures. Foster homes are needed for many of them until they can be made available for adoption. Also, monetary donations would be greatly appreciated to help with the care and housing of the dogs. Please visit our website www.everycreaturecounts.org and make a donation through our PayPal link or send a donation to 1245 Factory Circle, Fort Lupton, Colorado 80621. If you wish to foster, please contact us at 303 546-2704 Mailbox 7 or email to foster@everycreaturecounts.org
Thanks for any help you can offer. We plan to continue to work with the brave volunteers that are literally saving these dogs at the last minute!
