When a negligent and abusive owner was arrested in October, more than 70 Australian cattle dogs were transported to the Pearl River County SPCA. Despite being limited in space, the shelter took the dogs in and attempted to find them homes.

On Friday morning, Australian Cattle Dog Rescue, Incorporated picked up 10 dogs and transported them to a combination of foster and permanent homes. The nationwide corporation was contacted to help place the dogs in appropriate living conditions due to the breed’s unique mixture of high energy and high intelligence. The 10 remaining dogs are the last to be placed – the others have already been taken.

“We have not had to euthanize a single Pearl River County animal due to lack of space,” said SPCA Director Judy Wheaton.

“I want to express our appreciation to the community for understanding and holding onto dogs they wanted to surrender,” said Wheaton, “They allowed us to get through this without having to kill due to lack of space.”

The demeanor of the cattle dogs has improved drastically since they were first brought to the shelter. Volunteers said the same dogs that were once timid, fearful and aggressive are now approachable and healthy. Wheaton complimented the ACDRI for their excellent work with the animals.