The rescue of the 14 dogs from a trailer was part of a joint effort between the Chautauqua County Sheriff’s Office, Chautauqua County Humane Society and Panama’s animal control officer, Aaron Constantino.

The Sheriff’s Office had reportedly received complaint from resident on School Street in Panama about loud barking. In a news release, the humane society said it appeared that trailer where the barking was coming from had been “unoccupied for some time.”

On March 8, members were called in to help assess the condition of the dogs that were held in the trailer and to transport them to the safety of the nonprofit’s Strunk Road Adoption Center.

Deputies presented a warrant before making entry into the unoccupied trailer where the 14 dogs were found living in deplorable conditions, the humane society said.

“The dogs were filthy, there was no sign of food or water,” said Sue Bobek, CCHS director of Animal Services. “As they came out of the trailer, they were trying to eat snow to satisfy their needs. We don’t know how long they had been left alone, but it had been quite some time.”

While a few of the dogs may soon be up for adoption, others will need more attention from the behavior staff at the humane society.

“Each one of the dogs is starting to come around,” Bobek said. “With some patience and compassionate caring, they should learn to trust and bond with people. They should be able to become loving members of families.”

Added Kellie Roberts, humane society executive director: “We are committed to rehabilitating these dogs so they can have a life where they are loved and respected. This will take a considerable amount of resources with this many dogs, but we are counting on the community to rally behind them and show their love and support. We are looking for folks who would be interested in fostering. We are also counting on those who would consider donating monetary gifts to help with the cost of their care.

These dogs have been with us for a week now and the expenses for the care of these dogs so far is around $2,000.”

A warrant is reportedly out for the owner of the trailer. Specific charges have yet to be released publicly.

Those who would like to consider fostering one of the dogs, donating to their care and rehabilitation, or may be looking to adopt, is asked to call 665-2209.