Underfed dogs with mange, a goose with a broken wing and a caged raccoon are now in the care of Four Paws Animal Rescue after being rescued from a rural home Sunday.
The animals were discovered in a home just south of Greenwood by a postal worker who contacted Four Paws.
Carolyn Blakemore of Four Paws said the animals were living in horrifying conditions.
“None of the animals were being fed enough,” Blakemore said. “There was no fresh water. The dogs have mange and open sores all over their bodies.”
The owners of the animals, Freddy and Carol Mask, said they were in the process of moving to another home and had been trying to relocate the animals. Monday, they returned to the house the animals were taken from. They said that they were glad to hear Four Paws had taken the animals.
“I'm glad they came and got them,” Freddy Mask said. “Four Paws will take care of them.”
The Masks said they had been trying to find homes for the animals, most of which they said were dropped off at their residence.
“I love animals,” Freddy Mask said. “When someone dropped off an animal, I just couldn't turn it away. People started treating our place like we were the animal shelter.”
Carol Mask said feeding the animals was expensive, and she had tried to contact Four Paws about taking them.
“We did the best that we could for them,” she said.
The Masks said they had placed some of the animals in homes but were having difficulties finding people to take the others. Freddy said that in the past 10 years, he has probably found homes for about 100 dogs that were left at his place.
Blakemore said the collection of animals was far too great for the Masks to care for properly.
“They are hoarders,” Blakemore said. “They hoard things and animals. It really is a sickness.”
Blakemore said she could not imagine animals receiving such treatment, especially with the other options available.
“People drove by this place every day,” Blakemore said. “Why did it take so long before anybody did anything about it?”
Blakemore said no legal action is planned against the Masks.
Dr. Debby Myers, the veterinarian and operator of Four Paws, said “collecting” animals is a common problem and should be avoided.
“In their minds they think they are doing something good,” Myers said. “But the animals are really suffering.”
Myers said Carol Mask has come to the office several times for help. She said she gave her samples and other medicines as much as she could afford to do so. However, she said, she had no idea how bad the animals’ living conditions were.
“Whenever she came in, I helped her,” Myers said. “I had no clue.”
Myers said the interior and exterior of the house were unfit for animals or people to live in. She said the inside looked like a “rolling hill of feces.”
“It's the worst thing that I have ever seen,” Myers said. “I was devastated.”
Four Paws is treating six of the dogs. One died Sunday night. Myers said two more dogs were still somewhere on the property. The other animals were transported to off-site locations for treatment.
“We are hoping that some of the younger dogs are going to recover,” Myers said. “Some of the older dogs are in a lot worse shape.”
She said the first thing to be done was feeding, bathing and dipping the animals to heal their numerous skin conditions.
She said that she hopes Freddy and Carol Mask will bring animals to the shelter sooner if they can’t take care of them.
“This is about the animals,” Myers said. “Period.”
Myers said the shelter could use support in trying to expand its facility, which is currently at capacity. Other donations such as bedding, food or other items can be arranged by calling Four Paws at 451-7799.
