The Alameda County District Attorney’s office has charged an Oakland woman with two misdemeanor counts of animal cruelty for allegedly neglecting her two dogs—both senior schnauzers. Oakland Animal Services (OAS)—a unit of the Oakland Police Department—collaborated with Hayward Animal Services, Friends of Oakland Animal Services, and Muttville Senior Dog Rescue to investigate the case and provide veterinary and foster care for the dogs.
On June 16, 2011, Oakland Animal Services received a call from Hayward Animal Services stating that an Oakland resident had brought two schnauzers to a pet-grooming facility in Hayward . Both dogs, each over 12 years old, were severely matted from head to tail to the point that they both had trouble performing normal functions. Additionally, both dogs’ teeth were rotten and infected, and both dogs were emaciated to the point of weakness.
Oakland Animal Services had the schnauzers transferred to its shelter where the Friends of Oakland Animal Services funded veterinary care for the dogs, including dentals to remove most of the animals’ teeth. The dogs also needed foxtails removed from all over their bodies, including their paws, genitals, and even the inside of their throats.
Oakland Animal Services has now taken ownership of both dogs after the owner failed to pay the fees for their care. OAS will be transferring the dogs to Muttville Senior Dog Rescue, a non-profit rescue organization that will find them a foster/adoptive home where all their needs will be met. Muttville focuses specifically on finding homes for senior dogs from animal shelters throughout the Bay Area—a much-needed service. Anyone interested in fostering or adopting the schnauzers should contact Muttville at www.muttville.org To learn how you can help more animals like the schnauzers, go to Friends of Oakalnd Animal Services.