Animal League gets custody of seized dogs

PRAIRIE GROVE — Animal League of Washington County has been awarded custody of 71 dogs seized from a residence in Lincoln, and some of the animals will be ready for adoption in the coming weeks, according to Carmen Nelson, director of the nonprofit organization. Prairie Grove District Judge Graham Nations signed an order July 10 to take ownership of the dogs from Debbie Cain-Fitzhugh and give it to the Animal League. Cain-Fitzhugh, 62, is facing eight counts of felony animal cruelty charges and 62 counts of misdemeanor animal cruelty charges after the Washington County Sheriff’s Office seized the dogs and other animals from her property at 120 Arkansas 45 on June 13. Most of the dogs seized were miniature pinschers and Yorkshire terriers, with a few larger dogs. Officers found dogs in cages in CainFitzhugh’s house and others in cages in a kennel behind the house. The dogs were living in their own feces and urine, and many needed veterinarian care. The court said the Animal League was an appropriate organization for the care, custody and disposition of all the seized animals. Nelson said the league has spent more than $17,000 on the care of the animals and still has to spay or neuter the dogs and provide some dental care. In addition, a couple of the dogs need to have their eyes removed. Some of the expenses have included vaccinations, full testing for any diseases, taking care of skin issues and flea, tick and heartworm preventative treatments. Two dogs have seen eye specialists, and a few are pregnant and required ultrasounds. Others needed X-rays. The league is accepting applications to adopt the animals and will have meet-andgreet sessions. Cain-Fitzhugh is set to be arraigned on the animal cruelty charges Monday. For more information about adopting the dogs, call (479) 263-7058 or email animalleaguewc@gmail. com.

NWA Democrat-Gazette/LYNN KUTTER Amanda Harkson, a vet assistant at Country Vet in Farmington, is fostering one of the dogs seized from property in Lincoln. The Yorkshire terrier was assigned the number E-15 but Harkson has named her Nosey Rosey. The dog is about 10 years old, is missing teeth and described by Harkson as the sweetest little dog.