On July 9, 2013, more than 120 dogs were removed from an Adams County, Col., home. All dogs are Havanese, or mix-breed Havanese, and were found living in crammed quarters and unsanitary conditions. The animal hoarder who has been identified as Richard Pilicer may be charged with animal neglect.
When the Adams County Sheriff’s Office made the discovery, Dumb Friends League, Adams County Animal Control, and the Adams County Animal Shelter were called to assist with the removal of all 122 dogs.
Sixty dogs were taken to the Adams County Animal Shelter and the others are being cared for by the Dumb Friends League.
“This is one of the larger [hoarding] cases we’ve seen in a while,” said Chris Gallegos, Dumb Friends League spokesman. “Most of the dogs appeared happy and were temperamentally sound. Some have scrapes and cuts, but we’ll know more once they are evaluated.”
According to veterinarians, the animals were not malnourished but they covered in dirt and their fur was matted.
Pilicer cooperated with the removal of the dogs and told CBS4 News he loved his animals.
“I am so ashamed,” said Pilicer. “It was from love not cruelty that I have all these puppies. I love my dogs more than life.”
Neighbors told reporters they had no idea how many dogs Pilicer owned but they knew he loved his pets. The hoarder had been trying to find homes for many of his animals and in the meantime Pilicer kept the dogs in a four-car garage equipped with heated floors.
Once all dogs are evaluated and given a clean bill of health they will be placed for adoption.
