Dozens of animals were seized by authorities in Lincoln County earlier this month following an investigation of alleged neglect in the Eureka area.

According to the Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office, the case kicked off after the office received a call June 27 from a person reporting possible animal neglect in the Rolling Hills area. 

Following an investigation, the Sheriff’s Office got a search warrant for the property, documented any evidence and seize any animals on the property. The warrant was served July 17, and county deputies were assisted by officers from the Eureka Police Department and U.S. Border Patrol agents. 

The seizure included 40 dogs, consisting of Pomeranians, huskies and mixed breeds. Also seized were two ponies, two chickens, two rabbits, one goat and four cats.

All the animals were taken into custody of Lincoln County and were evaluated and treated by a veterinarian. The animals were surrendered July 18 by the owner and are in the process of being re-homed.

Lincoln County Animal Shelter officials wrote in a post to Facebook on July 19 that the livestock were relocated to a property where they are receiving excellent care. Thirteen dogs were transferred to the Tobacco Valley Animal Shelter. 

The case will be turned over to the Lincoln County Attorney’s Office for review regarding charges.

Updates will be released as they are available and the investigation is ongoing.

COUNTY ANIMAL shelter manager Tammy Brown told The Western News that the cats are in foster care, but still available for adoption.

She was grateful to the community response, which has included donations of food. Anyone interested in adding to the effort is encouraged to purchase Purina Pro Plan. 

“The response is overwhelming and very gratifying,” Brown said. “But we are looking for folks who are able to transport dogs to other shelters or rescues.”

Brown said the shelter is trying to get the number of dogs to a more manageable level.

“We’ve had wonderful donations of food and necessary items, but if we can get some of the dogs to other facilities, it will be better for them,” Brown said. “In cases of sibling canines, the goal was to keep them together in a bigger kennel or in two kennels that adjoin each other where they can go back and forth and that’s nice.”

The dogs are able to go outside in the shelter’s play area.

Brown was also appreciative of the veterinarian’s efforts.

A slideshow of the some of the newest dogs available for adoption or foster care is up on the animal shelter's Facebook page.

For more information or to ask about fostering or adopting, call 406-293-5665 or send an email to [email protected]. 

The shelter’s operating hours are 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday and 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday.

    Several puppies at the Lincoln County Animal Shelter in Libby are available for adoption or foster care after authorities seized dozens of animals during an investigation of possible animal neglect near Eureka. (Photo courtesy Lincoln County Animal Shelter)
  

    A kitten is one of many animals available for adoption at the Lincoln County Animal Shelter in Libby after authorities seized dozens of animals during an investigation of possible animal neglect near Eureka. (Photo courtesy Lincoln County Animal Shelter)
  

    Three Huskies at the Lincoln County Animal Shelter in Libby available for adoption or foster care after authorities seized dozens of animals during an investigation of possible animal neglect near Eureka. (Photo courtesy Lincoln County Animal Shelter)
  

    One of the many young Huskies at the Lincoln County Animal Shelter in Libby available for adoption or foster care after authorities seized dozens of animals during an investigation of possible animal neglect near Eureka. (Photo courtesy Lincoln County Animal Shelter)