Community support pours into Fresno Animal Humane Services after rescuing nearly 1,000 animals
FRESNO, Calif. (KFSN) -- Thanks to volunteers and an outpouring of support, a story of animal cruelty may have a happy ending.
The Fresno Animal Humane Services is continuing the animal abuse investigation after almost 1,000 animals were found in an overheated moving truck.
Nearly 1,000 birds, chickens, bunnies and guinea pigs are now in the care of humane services after being left in a hot truck with no air conditioning and temperatures in the triple digits.
Some of the animals are just days old.
"We were heartbroken," board member Brenda Mitchell said. "We snatched them out of that situation."
Reports came in from neighbors who noticed an odor coming from the truck on a property at Belmont and Hughes Friday afternoon.
"When people see things like this, they really need to report it to their local animal control agency no matter where they live," Mitchell said.
Now it's a matter of finding out who's responsible. Humane services are handling the investigation, but officials say their top priority is caring for the abused animals.
Mitchell says they've already received $2,500 in donations.
"We've also gotten wonderful food, bedding, things of that sort which were going through like crazy these little guys," Mitchell said. "And an organization from the east coast is sending over toys."
Mitchell adds most of these animals have probably never had toys before. Volunteers say the animals are doing well and will be up for adoption once the investigation is complete.
