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Jed Boal ReportingMost of the animals seized from an illegal shelter in South Salt Lake are doing better tonight. The future of the animals is still up in the air, but many people have offered support.
Dozens of animals rescued from an illegal shelter are settling in to their new temporary home. The typical condition of those seized from Hope Haven Rescue is underweight and dehydrated,
Jason Rasmussen, South Salt Lake Animal Control: "They're getting better. They're poor, working our way up to fair."
The cats are being treated for a virus; two were euthanized. A local vet voluntarily examined all of the cats, dogs, two rabbits, and three birds. She'll assess illnesses and any euthanizations that may be necessary.
Cpt. Chris Snyder, South Salt Lake Police Department: "We hope to have that ready to go Monday morning, screen the case with the city prosecutor and see what comes out of it."
The shelter operator had no license and the building was not zoned for a shelter. Officers say the animals were neglected, but not abused. When the animals became south salt lake's responsibility Wednesday, they asked for help and the community responded.
Jason Rasmussen, South Salt Lake Animal Control: "We have everything we need to take care of the animals for a while."
Stacks and stacks of food and litter...
Jason Rasmussen: "We should have put in a revolving door, it was amazing."
A judge will decide who gets to try to place the pets in new homes. Sandy Animal Control is helping out by housing a number of the dogs.
