Monadnock Humane Society Director Discusses Major Dog Rescue on WKBK’s “Good Morning with Dan Mitchell”

Kathy Collinsworth joined host Dan Mitchell to talk about the rescue of dozens of dogs from a single residence in the region, a case that began last August when five small dogs were brought to the shelter.

Collinsworth said the animals arrived in alarming condition.

“They were covered in feces and fleas. Several had broken tails, one had a serious eye injury, one female had recently given birth and two others were pregnant,” she said during the interview. “All of them were shaking and clearly in distress.”

The man who surrendered the dogs initially told shelter staff they had been found in a park. But the situation raised concerns for the humane society’s humane agent, who had been investigating suspected unsafe breeding practices.

That investigation eventually led to a search warrant at the residence.

When authorities and the humane agent arrived at the home, Collinsworth said the conditions were “truly alarming.” Crates filled with puppies were stacked throughout the main living area, and ammonia levels from waste were so high that responders briefly had to leave the building due to health concerns.

In total, 19 adult dogs and 28 puppies — 47 dogs altogether — were removed from the property once the owners agreed to surrender them.

Collinsworth said the decision to surrender the animals allowed the humane society to move more quickly to care for and place them.

“In some cases, animals are tied up in the legal system for months or even years,” she said, noting a previous case involving 57 dogs that took 16 months to resolve before the animals could be adopted.

In this instance, however, all of the dogs have since been adopted into permanent homes.

“I am so happy to share that they are all adopted in happy homes,” Collinsworth said.

Even with that success, the rescue required extensive veterinary care and other expenses, totaling roughly $35,000 for this case alone.

Collinsworth said situations like this highlight the ongoing financial demands placed on the humane society, which serves 43 towns in the Monadnock region and handles roughly 150 animals each year removed from neglectful or cruel situations.

The organization is currently working toward a broader fundraising goal of $160,000 to help support its operations and programs.

Those programs include adoptions — about 1,800 animals per year — a pet food pantry that distributes thousands of pounds of food to struggling families, and low-cost spay and neuter clinics.

Collinsworth also discussed the shelter’s Animal Safety Net Program, which temporarily cares for pets belonging to people facing domestic violence, housing instability, or substance treatment.

The program allows owners to reunite with their animals once they regain stable housing or complete treatment.

Foster homes also play a critical role in the humane society’s work, Collinsworth said, especially for pregnant animals or newborn litters that require constant care.

“Foster homes are absolutely critical,” she said.

New Hampshire has also created a Cost of Care Fund that allows shelters to apply for partial reimbursement when they care for animals seized in cruelty cases, Collinsworth said. The fund does not typically cover the full cost but has helped the organization offset some expenses.

The Monadnock Humane Society, located in Swanzey, is open to the public Thursday through Sunday from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. People interested in adopting or supporting the organization can visit its website or contact the shelter directly.

“We’ve been doing this for 150 years,” Collinsworth said during the interview. “It’s incredible work, and we’re proud to be able to serve the region.”