“Hallo-Weenie” parade promotes dozens of dogs surrendered from local home now available for adoption

LAKE COUNTY, Fla. — Dozens of dogs are in need of new homes after being surrendered in a suspected hoarding situation.

The owners could no longer care for the dogs, so now they’re living at the Lake County Animal Shelter.

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“There were in fact 35 small dogs, most of which are dachshunds and dachshunds mix.”

Officials say they found the dogs living in a single Leesburg home after receiving a tip from a utility worker.

When animal control responded to investigate, the owners surrendered the dogs.

“Some of them did need some serious medical care right off the bat, and we were able to provide that. We think that everyone is going to recover and live long happy lives.”

Because it’s a no-kill shelter, officials say space at the Lake County Animal Shelter is always at a premium.

“These large impounds really do stretch us thin. We never like for animals to spend any more time in the shelter than is absolutely necessary.”

So to help get the word out about the dogs, the shelter staff held a “Hallo-Weenie” parade with the dogs in costumes and posted it online.

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“I saw the dogs dressed up in Halloween costumes and realized it was a rescue, then I looked at it further and realized it was somewhat local,” said Shannon Switzer who drove more than an hour to the shelter to help.

Officials say the previous owners of the dogs won’t be facing any charges. They’re working to be prepared for people who may be forced to surrender animals because of the economy.

Cox Media Group