MONROE - The 46 dogs seized by authorities May 25, and the 17 puppies that were born while in custody, are living a "shelter" life, at the Green County Humane Society, officials say. But the costs for caring for them - more than $600 a day - are putting a strain on the agency's budget.
Beyond the sheer number of animals, is their size - the Great Danes have been especially challenging for staff, according to officials.
"The care of the 63 seized dogs is not part of our budget. Our shelter can house 37 dogs, which we do budget for, so the costs incurred are outside of our day-to-day operations," said Rachel Schardt, Green County Humane Society's spokesperson.
"Our expenses have already exceeded $10,000 for supplies, additional staffing, veterinary care, vaccinations, and food," Schardt said, adding that the cost per day is about $630 for all 63 dogs, regardless of where they are sheltered.
Schardt said that Dane County Humane Society has taken on the day-to-day care of 15 adult Great Danes for space reasons - and to keep the males separate from the females. Two of the females that were pregnant are in private homes, with experienced caregivers, Schardt said.
While there are many adult dogs, there also are 31 Great Dane puppies of varying ages, a number that includes 14 puppies seized at the home on County F, and 17 born afterward. Some puppies eat more than others, while some are still nursing.
"The mothers and new puppies are being monitored closely," she said.
Meanwhile, court action related to the dogs continues. Criminal charges have not been filed but the case remains under investigation.
Melissa Harrel, 57; Allyson Williams, 24; Kathy Williams, 54; and Donovan Williams, 45; all of Brodhead, were in civil court last week to determine the legal custody of the animals, where Green County Circuit Judge James Beer determined that there was evidence that animal laws may have been violated.
Beer granted a prosecution request for a $10,329 bond, with seven days to pay.
If the bond is not posted, the county is authorized to sell the dogs. The bond amount, according to testimony given by Deb Broge, executive director of the Green County Humane Society, reflects what her group has spent to care for the dogs between when they were taken and June 16.
"If the bond is not paid, we will still have the incurred expenses, plus $630 a day going forward," Schardt said. "If the dogs are released to GCHS by the court, we will have the additional expense of spaying or neutering the dogs before they can be adopted out."
Jane Landretti, Green County's assistant corporation counsel, said the order was dated and sent on June 24, but that the defendants have challenged it.
"We have a fairly standard practice whereby whoever drafts the order sends it to all the parties in the proceeding and if any party believes that whomever drafted the order mischaracterized something the judge said, they have five days to object," Landretti said. "It appears from the Williams' petition that they are using that opportunity to call for a whole new hearing on the case."
She added that "since the original order that I sent is now in dispute, the judge directed me to draft a new order that might have a different date,"
Beer, she said, has allowed the Williams' motion hearing, and to consider the matter at 11 a.m. on July 1.
Meanwhile, Schardt says the society is appealing to the community for help and support to care for the dogs.
"We have raised only a fraction of the costs already incurred and appreciate any help we can get from the community," Schardt said.
In 2010, the total expenses budget for GCHS was under $238,000, and actual total expenses were under $262,000, according to the organization.
Beyond the sheer number of animals, is their size - the Great Danes have been especially challenging for staff, according to officials.
"The care of the 63 seized dogs is not part of our budget. Our shelter can house 37 dogs, which we do budget for, so the costs incurred are outside of our day-to-day operations," said Rachel Schardt, Green County Humane Society's spokesperson.
"Our expenses have already exceeded $10,000 for supplies, additional staffing, veterinary care, vaccinations, and food," Schardt said, adding that the cost per day is about $630 for all 63 dogs, regardless of where they are sheltered.
Schardt said that Dane County Humane Society has taken on the day-to-day care of 15 adult Great Danes for space reasons - and to keep the males separate from the females. Two of the females that were pregnant are in private homes, with experienced caregivers, Schardt said.
While there are many adult dogs, there also are 31 Great Dane puppies of varying ages, a number that includes 14 puppies seized at the home on County F, and 17 born afterward. Some puppies eat more than others, while some are still nursing.
"The mothers and new puppies are being monitored closely," she said.
Meanwhile, court action related to the dogs continues. Criminal charges have not been filed but the case remains under investigation.
Melissa Harrel, 57; Allyson Williams, 24; Kathy Williams, 54; and Donovan Williams, 45; all of Brodhead, were in civil court last week to determine the legal custody of the animals, where Green County Circuit Judge James Beer determined that there was evidence that animal laws may have been violated.
Beer granted a prosecution request for a $10,329 bond, with seven days to pay.
If the bond is not posted, the county is authorized to sell the dogs. The bond amount, according to testimony given by Deb Broge, executive director of the Green County Humane Society, reflects what her group has spent to care for the dogs between when they were taken and June 16.
"If the bond is not paid, we will still have the incurred expenses, plus $630 a day going forward," Schardt said. "If the dogs are released to GCHS by the court, we will have the additional expense of spaying or neutering the dogs before they can be adopted out."
Jane Landretti, Green County's assistant corporation counsel, said the order was dated and sent on June 24, but that the defendants have challenged it.
"We have a fairly standard practice whereby whoever drafts the order sends it to all the parties in the proceeding and if any party believes that whomever drafted the order mischaracterized something the judge said, they have five days to object," Landretti said. "It appears from the Williams' petition that they are using that opportunity to call for a whole new hearing on the case."
She added that "since the original order that I sent is now in dispute, the judge directed me to draft a new order that might have a different date,"
Beer, she said, has allowed the Williams' motion hearing, and to consider the matter at 11 a.m. on July 1.
Meanwhile, Schardt says the society is appealing to the community for help and support to care for the dogs.
"We have raised only a fraction of the costs already incurred and appreciate any help we can get from the community," Schardt said.
In 2010, the total expenses budget for GCHS was under $238,000, and actual total expenses were under $262,000, according to the organization.