Thirteen dogs, two newborn puppies, and two cats are warm and eating and sleeping well in the Humane Society of Richland County shelter.

They were removed Wednesday from the back yard of a burned-out and abandoned house on Joy-Lyn Drive in Springfield Township after spending two months outside in the cold and snow.

Their owner had been feeding them, and they did have shelter in several dog houses and a garage, leaving Humane Agent Missing Houghton with no legal recourse to take them.  The owner had refused to surrender custody of them.

But when this bitter cold snap arrived, and Houghton found some of the dogs could not get shelter because they were chained, and because there was no fresh water, she got the Mansfield Law Director's permission to remove them.

The dogs gobbled-up as much food as they could hold, then fell fast asleep through the night.

An older, female Husky that was walking on only three legs was given medication to ease the pain in her left rear leg, and will be examined by a veterinarian.

Two smaller dogs with apparent neurological problems will also be checked.

Houghton does not believe any will have to be put to sleep.

The owner has signed-over custody, making the dogs and cats available for adoption.

Houghton has decided not to file animal cruelty charges. 

Call the Humane Society at 419-774-4795, if you have a cozy home and loving family to take good care of them.