On July 14th, 2008, personnel from three separate sheriff’s departments, Animal Protection of New Mexico and rescue volunteers went to the home of an individual in San Miguel County, NM and took 67 Afghan Hounds and 27 birds into their care.  More than 30 individuals were present to assist with this operation.  They were catching and moving dogs until the early hours of the next morning. 

The 67 dogs had been housed in a 1500 square foot home, with access to one enclosed yard. They roamed freely around the property, interacting with each other and going in and out of the house.  Dog food and excrement were co-mingled on the floors of the home.  The dogs were badly matted, and one was found to have a ruptured tumor on her foot.  Some were identified as pregnant.  Seventeen puppies were seized, and Parvovirus was found to be present.  The puppies were placed in isolated quarantine.

No criminal charges were placed, as the woman (owner) was determined to be a hoarder, and she surrendered the dogs to the authorities.  The Afghan Hounds were temporarily housed at the Santa Fe Animal Shelter and Humane Society.  Open sores were discovered once the animals were bathed and shaved down.  The dog suffering from the open tumor was euthanized.  The shelter worked with the Afghan Hound Club of America to turn the dogs over to its breed-specific rescue operation.

The dogs were moved out of the shelter and placed in experienced foster homes.  Most were not originally socialized, and many require evaluation and veterinary care.  Of the seventeen puppies, only three survive at the time of this writing (July 22), and are still in isolation.  There is an 80% chance they will also succumb. 

This web site has been established to allow those interested in adopting one of these hounds an opportunity to review information about each dog.  Additionally, contact information is provided for the donation of items to aid in the treatment of these dogs, artwork or dog-related items that will be auctioned in a fund-raiser, and for those interested in contributing funds.

Betty Salmon