The Humane Society of Richland County is stepping in to save several dogs from the bitter cold.

Because, now, they can.

In a breaking update to a story we brought you two weeks ago, Humane Agent Missy Houghton inspected 3360 Joy Lyn Drive off of Millsboro Road in Springfield Township again, and found some of the 13 dogs did not have access to any of the three dog houses or the garage on the property. So, it was time to remove them.

After talking to the Mansfield Law Director, she was given permission to remove all of the dogs that had been abandoned in the back yard after the house was heavily damaged by a fire two months ago.

She also discovered two newborn puppies in the garage and removed them, along with a couple of the five cats that have medical issues.  The law allows the other cats to remain because they are not confined and are free to find shelter. 

Houghton says if the owner goes to court to challenge the seizure of her dogs, the Humane Society will pursue animal cruelty charges, and it may seek them anyway.  

She says these dogs were very cold, and their fur is not enough to keep them from getting hypothermia.