Reaction to seizure speaks volumes

Unfortunately, it’s not a unique story.

Mat-Su Borough Animal Care and Regulation Shelter is overwhelmed after officials seized 157 malnourished and starving dogs Monday from a Willow-area breeder. Most of the dogs — huskies and malamutes — were in poor shape, and Alaska State Troopers report another 22 dogs were found dead on the property.

Frank Rich, 53, was arrested on 50 initial charges of cruelty to animals, and is likely to face more as animal care personnel finish up processing the huge influx of animals.

In a Valley that loves its winter sports, including sled dog racing, it’s logical that the area would attract breeders. And for the most part, they’re a responsible bunch who do right by their animals. Then there are those who make the news.

In 2004, Willow-area musher David Straub had 28 dogs seized from his property for alleged cruelty. Straub admitted the dogs were skinny, but said he wasn’t starving them. In April 2007, 22 huskies — one dead and 21 live — were taken from a property near Point MacKenzie. And in May 2008, the borough seized 25 starving dogs from Palmer-area musher Doug Bartko. Some had broken teeth from trying to eat rocks and on a scale of 1 to 10 the shelter uses to rate the weight of dogs, most were rated a 1.

While the seizure of 20-some animals is enough to stress the local animal shelter, this week’s huge taking of nearly 160 dogs has been downright overwhelming. What a welcome for the borough’s new Animal Care and Regulation manager, Richard Stockdale, who’s been on the job about a week.

What has also been overwhelming has been the outpouring of sympathy, heart and compassion from all over the Valley. When animal control staff arrived the next day, donations of dog food, blankets, food bowls and more were waiting. And the generosity keeps on coming. There’s no way to tell now just how much has been donated — staff are still too busy processing and caring for the animals.

“There’s so much we haven’t even begun to take inventory,” said shelter staffer Evonne Odden. “We’re swamped taking care of the dogs.”

And this sage isn’t nearly over. The dogs are evidence in a criminal case and will likely be at the shelter for months.

Still, the donations and calls help bolster the morale of the tired shelter workers, she said.

“It’s really nice to see the community get together,” she said. “It shows there are people out there who really care about animals.”

Job Corps has been busy building doghouses and more will be needed, Odden said. The Mat-Su Borough’s website — matsugov.us — has a link showing what’s still needed. Those wanting to help can donate Science Diet adult and puppy dog food, metal food bowls, blankets, 2x4 lumber for building doghouses and 5-gallon buckets. People can also contribute to a fund through Wells Fargo bank, account No. 9373598334.

While stories about animal abuse and cruelty are not unique, neither is the amazing response from Valley animal lovers. However heart wrenching it has been to see animals that have suffered so much at human hands, it has been heart warming to see our community’s generous response.

Bravo Mat-Su — you look marvelous.