ENSENADA, Baja California — A local dog rescue is working to save hundreds of dogs that are in dire conditions at a shelter in Mexico.
Animal Pad Rescue says Wednesday's emergency rescue in Ensenada has been years in the making. They expected to find around 300 dogs but found at least 400. Many of them need extensive medical care.
"Malnourished, really awful conditions, really sad conditions," said Michelle May, co-director of events at Animal Pad.
Animal Pad Rescue, based in La Mesa, used to work with the shelter but that relationship ended a few years ago.
"Sadly we felt like we were abandoning the dogs there but no matter how much we would help, due to the owners greed, nothing was making a difference," said Julie Brow, co-director of events at Animal Pad.
Their worst fears came to life when they arrived at the shelter and saw the conditions.
"There's parts of it that look like a graveyard. There are bones and dead dogs in bags. Starving to death when she had the money and resources to make a difference but selfishly spent the money on herself," Brow said.
The Mexican government is shutting the shelter down and Animal Pad is working to rescue the dogs. Their La Mesa facility is already beyond capacity so they're in desperate need for fosters.
"We as a rescue do cover everything when you foster. We pay for all the supplies. We give you all the food and everything you need. You just supply a safe loving home," Brow said.
May can attest from her own experience when she fostered Billy. The dog was on the brink of death and she nursed her back to health.
"You would never know that she just came from the most awful situation and went through almost a year of healing just to be a normal dog," May said.
Animal Pad is also hopeful local rescues will take in some of the animals as they're brought into the U.S.
"If a rescue is interested in partnering with us and pulling dogs they can reach out to us and pull whoever they want to pull," Brow said.
Learn how you can foster or send donations to Animal Pad, here.
WATCH RELATED: Community outraged over sale of puppies in front of Spring Valley Swap Meet (June 2023).