<body><div><figure><img src="https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?type=thumbnail_580x000&amp;url=2vlEuj_0vkIb3Mv00" alt="https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?url=2vlEuj_0vkIb3Mv00" width="434" height="584" ></figure>Madison County Sheriff’s OfficeContributorMadison County Sheriff David Harper reports the conclusion of an investigation conducted by his Animal Services Division within the Madison County Sheriff’s Office (MCSO). On Wednesday, Sept. 18, Investigators of the MCSO, assisted by Animal Services Officers conducted a search warrant at the home of Matthew Donalies, located at 610 SE Askew Ave., in Madison. The search warrant was the result of an investigation into animal cruelty and neglect and the deplorable conditions in which numerous dogs were being kept. Investigators had determined there were many dogs (including newborn puppies), mostly rat terriers, chihuahuas and mixed breeds located on the property, but were surprised by the exact number located. In anticipation of needing assistance with medical treatment and rescue shelter placement, MCSO Animal Services staff enlisted and coordinated additional resources from Animal Rescue Corps, based in Washington, DC.Upon arrival, the property owner, Matthew Donalies, was placed under arrest without incident. The investigation determined that Donalies had been operating a backyard breeding mill and had been selling dogs via the internet for several years. After securing the arrest, the rescue operation began. A large triage station was set up that included veterinary staff and members of the Animal Rescue Corps. The rescue operation lasted nearly 12 hours as the dogs were captured and removed from the property. A total of 146 dogs and one kitten were successfully rescued. Nearly every dog captured suffered from various illnesses and injuries including internal and external parasites, eye infections, abscessed teeth, overgrown nails and other untreated injuries.All the dogs from this investigation were transported to ARC’s Rescue Center, about 30 miles east of Nashville, Tenn. Each animal in this rescue operation will receive a thorough veterinary exam, appropriate vaccinations and necessary medical treatment, time to heal and recover before matched and transported to trusted shelters and rescue partner organizations that will ultimately adopt them into loving homes.“Addressing animal cruelty and neglect is a responsibility we take with utmost seriousness, recognizing that animals are victims too,” said Sheriff Harper. “I am extremely proud of my investigators and Animal Services staff for their hard work and dedication to the voiceless animals in Madison County each day. I am thankful for the support we receive from the community in our mission to address the uncared-for animal population. I am also very grateful to Animal Rescue Corps for providing the crucial resources necessary to ensure the safety of these animals and for supporting our community in protecting animals.”Arrested:Matthew DonaliesD.O.B. 08/10/1966610 SE Askew AvenueMadison, Fla.1. Cruelty to Animals/Neglect Serious Injury or Death (142 counts)F.S. 828.12.2Since 2010, Animal Rescue Corps (ARC), a national animal protection nonprofit, has provided large-scale animal rescue for communities that lack resources to address abuse. In addition to emergency rescue, ARC offers education and shelter relief. ARC’s mission is to end animal suffering through direct and compassionate action and to inspire the highest ethical standards of humanity toward animals. For more information about Animal Rescue Corps, visit animalrescuecorps.org.<figure><img src="https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?type=thumbnail_580x000&amp;url=2DAoXw_0vkIb3Mv00" alt="https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?url=2DAoXw_0vkIb3Mv00" width="962" height="1276" ></figure></div></body>

Mountain View, CA

NewsBreak

Arrest made in animal cruelty case

Madison County Sheriff David Harper reports the conclusion of an investigation conducted by his Animal Services Division within the Madison County Sheriff’s Office (MCSO). On Wednesday, Sept. 18, Investigators of the MCSO, assisted by Animal Services Officers conducted a search warrant at the home of Matthew Donalies, located at 610 SE Askew Ave., in Madison. The search warrant was the result of an investigation into animal cruelty and neglect and the deplorable conditions in which numerous dogs were being kept. Investigators had determined there were many dogs (including newborn puppies), mostly rat terriers, chihuahuas and mixed breeds located on the property, but were surprised by the exact number located. In anticipation of needing assistance with medical treatment and rescue shelter placement, MCSO Animal Services staff enlisted and coordinated additional resources from Animal Rescue Corps, based in Washington, DC.