140 Shih Tzus Are Saved In Massive Hoarding Incident, Now They're Up For Adoption

Jun 30, 2019 by apost team

OC Animal Care in California has a huge mission to accomplish. More than 140 Shih Tzus were rescued from a home in a gated community in Orange County. The couple who had been living there kept the dogs hoarded inside their home.

A tip-off to police allowed law enforcement to seize the dogs and cite the owners but what will happen to the more than 140 Shih Tzus? 

Last week, the Orange County Board of Supervisors announced that OC Animal Care would begin accepting adoption applications for the 140 Shih Tzus that were brought into their care from a horrendous hoarding in the City of Orange. KTLA News reported on the incident after a tip on May 30th led authorities to the mansion owned by attorney Edward Reitkopp and Jo Reitkopp, a Republican political activist.

After entering the home and smelling a strong stench of feces and urine, the authorities ended up seizing the more than 140 Shih Tzus of all ages who were starving, dirty, and inbred. The Reitkopps were cited for animal cruelty.

apost.com

Supervisors, at that courthouse meeting, came into the courtroom holding some of the dogs, adorably snuggled into orange blankets. Lisa Bartlett, Fifth District Supervisor and Orange Chairwoman, made the special announcement that it was the goal of OC Animal Care to place every dog into a loving home. The team at OC Animal Care had pulled together to provide care for these dogs on short notice, and that was followed by the touching support and generosity from the community and animal lovers who provided donations, food, and other supplies after the case made the national news.

As the animal shelter wants to give the dogs the best possible homes, they are making the adoption process for the Shih Tzus a bit more detailed than the normal process.  Interested adopters will have to complete an online survey explaining the adoption process before they will be able to even submit an application as each dog is cleared for adoption.

Help get these dogs adopted so they can be in homes they deserve! Spread the word by sending this article to your friends and family & tell us your favorite doggy rescue story below.