Officers keeping animals safe in KELOLAND
SIOUX FALLS, S.D. (KELO) — Clint and Heidi Ihnen are facing charges of animal neglect. On Tuesday officers with the Sioux Falls Area Humane Society were called to the Ihnen home near Lennox.
They found more than three dozen dogs running loose, eating garbage, fighting over scraps, drinking water out of puddles. Most were starving and some had injuries and needed care. For those responding officers it is a tough situation they see all too often.
"Our main goal is to safely remove them and make sure all of our officers go home safe too," said Sioux Falls Animal Control Supervisor Patty Beckman.
"It's always emotional but our goal is to take them out of that environment, said Caley Harr of the Sioux Falls Area Humane Society.
In this case there were so many animals Lincoln County and the Sioux Falls Area Humane Society called Sioux Falls Animal Control for added manpower. Both Harr and Beckman say they were drawn to this career because they are animal lovers. On this day most of the officers responding just happened to be women.
"I don't really know, I think our industry is definitely dominated by women," said Harr.
"I'm not sure whoever applies who has the passion and drive and motive to be able to care for animals and do the right thing," said Beckman.
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Most pets in KELOLAND are well cared for. But once in a while owners come up short and pets are neglected.
"We don't judge anybody in what situation they are in we just ultimately want to offer help to them," said Beckman.
"It is very easy to have your knee-jerk reaction of hey this is awful I can't believe it and you kind of go down that rabbit hole but just realizing that people are still human and whether it is a hoarding situation or a basic surrender that we deal with here at the shelter all of those situations are emotional," said Harr.
Both officers say they would rather help, than take animals away when situations get beyond the owners control. For help call or visit:
Sioux Falls Animal Control 605-367-7000
Sioux Falls Area Humane Society 605-338-4441
