VP pound receives donated supplies

The Ville Platte city pound got some much-needed help recently from WILD Canine Rescue of Springfield, Ill. The rescue group donated food, flea medicine, collars, leashes, 17 bags of dog food, toys, and outdoor cable runners. They also brought beds, but the beds are too big for the cages, so they will exchange them for smaller ones.
WILD Canine Rescue is devoted to saving animals in need. They are dedicated to proper care and welfare of animals who are homeless, abandoned, and abused. WILD rescues dogs when they have run out of time in shelters or are in need of medical treatment. To make a donation to WILD Canine Rescue, visit their website: wildcaninerescue.org.
Mayor Jennifer Vidrine gave thanks to the rescue group and also to Brandon Nicko of B. Nicko Fence, LLC for repairing fencing at the pound. She said the city and animal control staff are taking care of the dogs by having them vetted and working with rescue groups to get them adopted. There is a five-day hold on dogs brought to the pound. If no one claims them in five days, or if the owner surrenders them, they are adopted out. She said no dog is euthanized unless it is sick.
The donations came after the city pound received recent criticism from a volunteer who alleged the living conditions were not safe, even inhumane, for the dogs residing there. The volunteer said are no windows, and the only ventilation is through holes in the walls. She also said two dogs died after biting electrical wires hanging down. She added the dogs only get one cup of food a day.
Aaron Baughman is the sole animal control officer who takes care of the dogs at the city pound. He is set to replace Erven Bourque who recently retired as the manager of the pound. Baughman responded to the complaints about the living conditions for the dogs. “We’re in the process of doing repairs to make it better,” he said. According to him, there is ventilation because the pound has opened entryways which are closed when the weather is cold. Baughman also said they have repaired the holes in the walls, but they also intentionally have gaps in the bricks to allow for air flow. They are also getting their large attic fan repaired or replaced to make it cooler for the dogs.
As for the electrical wiring, Baughman said one dog died biting into an electrical cord. The cord has been removed. He said the dogs were originally getting fed once a day, but are now getting fed twice a day. They are also doing some remodeling on the pound and putting the dogs outside on cable runners so they can have fresh air and sunshine.
Elsewhere in the parish, EPAR (Every Paw Animal Rescue) has been working hard to help rescue animals. Several dogs were transferred to the rescue group called S.A.F.E. out of Florida. The Hotel Cazan of Mamou put the dogs up for the night until their rescuers arrived. On their official Facebook page they said they are in desperate need of supplies due to the influx of dogs, cats, kittens, and puppies. If anyone would like to assist EPAR with needed items, visit their Facebook page, @everypawanimalrescue, to find the link to their Amazon wishlist, which includes pet food, formula, fans, flea medicine, and pet taxis to name a few.