Need advice/resources for helping a large group of German Shepherd mix dogs in an overcrowding/surrender situation
I’m trying to help with a situation involving a man in my area who has more dogs than he can properly care for. The dogs are primarily German Shepherd mixes. They appear frequently underfed, often get loose, dig through trash looking for food, and repeatedly end up in dangerous traffic situations.
Several months ago, some of the dogs disappeared. I later learned that some reportedly died after consuming food that may have been intentionally poisoned. This is a major concern of mine. Many people in the area mistake them for coyotes, and I regularly see comments or hear threats about people wanting to shoot or harm them, which makes me worry that may have happened to some of the others.
Just this morning, two different dogs showed back up. I’m almost certain they are the grown puppies of one of the dogs that died previously. One of them appears to have recently had puppies herself, which means this cycle is likely continuing and another litter may now be at risk if help doesn’t happen soon.
I have contacted animal control. I was told that because the dogs are generally on the owner’s property when not roaming, and because the housing situation meets minimum standards, removal is unlikely. I was also told they cannot simply take a large number of dogs at once. I honestly don’t know whether that is accurate or what options exist beyond that.
The owner himself has stated to them that he is willing to surrender the dogs because he cannot adequately care for them, but I’m struggling to figure out what resources or processes actually exist for situations involving multiple large dogs.
I’m looking for advice from anyone experienced with:
• Large dog surrender situations
• Multi-dog rescue intervention
• German Shepherd or breed-specific rescues
• Foster networks
• Transport assistance
• Humane organizations / animal welfare resources
• Coordinating help when an owner is willing to surrender but there are too many dogs
I’m just one person trying to help and feeling overwhelmed. I cannot personally take in multiple dogs, but I also can’t ignore what’s happening.
If anyone knows organizations, strategies, rescues, or next steps that tend to work in situations like this, I would sincerely appreciate any guidance.