Group forms to save neglected animals

Last November, dozens of neglected animals were found in Calhan. Dogs, llamas, and horses were malnourished, others died and the bodies were found across the property.

Jerry Rineck and his wife Diane live across the street. They couldn't just sit back and watch these animals suffer. He says "we called the humane society 6 or 7 times in the previous month and they just didn't come out." The animals were eventually removed.





The Rinecks took a dog and cat. District 19 State Representative Marsha Looper took a herd of llamas. She says, "The issues out here with large animals, horses, llamas, and cattle is an issue that needs to be addressed. It's only going to get worse." It's a complaint you hear more and more in Eastern El Paso county.

Reports of animal abuse are on the rise, and the humane society and sheriff's office isn't equipped to handle all the cases.

Sheriff Terry Maketa says, "It's a growing problem, but also it's very inefficient when we take possession of animals to then try to find what we're going to do with them." So the Rinecks started SAINT, which means saving animals in need together.

His group of volunteers use their own money and resources to rescue and care for neglected animals.

Rineck says, "we could have 3 or 4 things a day where we have to do. I just got two calls this morning." He donated part of his property to SAINT, and plans to build a shelter there.

He's hoping grant money will help pay for this operation. Rineck just completed certification to become an animal investigator. He hopes that will give him the authority to seize animals.

Reference:koaa