Tim Rickey – A.S.P.C.A.
LAWRENCE COUNTY – Tim Rickey is the Vice President of the A.S.P.C.A. for the Field Investigation Response Department. He told the Quad-Cities Daily that it’s always distressing when animals in dire situations like they were found at the Lawrence County Animal Rescue Shelter are discovered. Scenes like the one they came upon in late June at the shelter, run by 81 year old, Bobbie Taylor are really distressing to everybody involved he explained.
The rescue shelter was located at Taylor’s rural home out in County farmland. Taylor was getting over $80-thousand a year from the County to board and care for the dogs and cats. According to reports, Taylor has been reporting to County officials that only about 80 dogs and cats were in her shelter. As the investigation grew to involve the A.S.P.C.A., over 300 dogs and cats were discovered there. Authorities say the animals were in dire need of rescue due to the alleged inhumane treatment and filthy, deplorable conditions in which they were discovered to be living. The investigation was started when a worker at the shelter contacted the Sheriff’s Department.
But today, things are looking up for the rescues. It was the beginning of the big adoption weekend. Ricky said, “Days like today are really what it’s all about.” Indeed, walking through the grounds on the Hillsboro Gin and Feed Company, smiling faces were everywhere you looked. A.S.P.C.A. workers greeted dozens of families as they arrived to find themselves a new family member. It was hot, but nobody seemed to notice. Children were telling their moms and dads which dog or cat they liked. Men and women who were looking for a dog or cat to complete their homes were strolling the very-clean temporary kennels. It was a heartwarming thing to see. Even the prospective adoptees seemed to get into the swing of things. Particularly the dogs… The cats, not so much. But that’s cats. Ricky continued, “Today this all about getting these animals into a home. Many of them have had a long journey. And tonight, many of them are going to be curled up on the couch with their new family. We’ve been working on this for almost a month. Working for today to have the opportunity to see these animals go to a new home.” 250 dogs and cats were for available of adoption at today’s start.
The good news is, the adoption program continues all day tomorrow, Sunday. A.S.P.C.A. is making things really easy, by providing the money for vaccinations and spaying and neutering. In addition to vet services, County adoption fees are being waived, A.S.P.C.A. is providing for micro-chip id tags, some take-home food, dog leashes, toys and treats, and a name tag.
Sheri and Steve Wiggins took these photos.
