Assembly Minority Leader Brian M. Kolb (R,C-Canandaigua) (pictured above with Shelter Manager Dianne Faas and Shelter Director William Smith) today visited the Happy Tails Animal Shelter in the Town of Hopewell, supporting efforts to raise awareness after it rescued 85 dogs from a home in Naples last month. The Humane Society of Ontario County, which runs the Happy Tails shelter, has put out an emergency fundraising appeal seeking donations to help cover the extensive costs of housing the animals.

“Our community is incredibly fortunate to have the dedicated men and women of the Ontario County Humane Society who rescued these animals. In the aftermath of a horrific case of animal cruelty, these people took in 85 dogs and have provided a safe environment, tended to their well-being, and hopefully will find happy homes for them in the future,” Leader Kolb said. “I urge the people of Ontario County to please consider a donation to the shelter – no matter how large or small – and help the staff and shelter manage this monumental effort.”

In July, authorities seized 85 dogs from a Naples home. The animals were living in unsafe, unhealthy conditions and are now being treated and cared for by the Humane Society. The owners of the dogs are being charged with animal cruelty. A court will determine the custody status of the dogs in the near future, which would pave the way for them to be placed in foster homes.

“The condition we found these helpless dogs in was appalling. No animal deserves to be subjected to that sort of mistreatment,” said Dianne Faas, manager of the Happy Tails Animal Shelter. “Finding a home for these animals will be time consuming and costly. In situations like this, we rely heavily on community support and compassion. I would like to thank Assembly Minority Leader Brian Kolb for his help raising awareness for these poor, neglected creatures. I am hopeful we will be able to find loving homes for these beautiful dogs in the near future.”

In addition to monetary contributions, the Ontario County Humane Society encourages people to watch its website for needed items that will assist in the everyday care of the dogs.

Editor’s Note: A jpg of Leader Kolb at the Humane Society can be found here.