Russell County Sheriff's Department
On July 12th at about 10:15 a.m. the Russell County Sheriff’s Office was dispatched to the 300 block of north Kansas Avenue in Luray for an animal welfare check.
Arriving on scene, the sheriff’s Office became aware of several animals in an abandoned house that appeared to be in distress. The owners of the animals were identified, and contact was made.
Further investigation led the Sheriff’s Office to become aware that the animals were in danger and very stressed because of the severe heat conditions and the apparent health concerns that the animals presented.
Contact was made with Golden Belt Humane Society in Great Bend, which arrived at the location to assist the Sheriff’s Office in capturing and taking care of the animals.
The animals were then transported to Golden Belt Humane Society and Ark Valley Veterinary Hospital located in Great Bend for further treatment and evaluation.
This is an active investigation, people of interest in this investigation have been identified.
Names will not be released until this investigation is completed and has been reviewed by the Russell County Attorney’s Office.
The Sheriff’s Office would like to thank the Golden Belt Humane Society for their swift response and professionalism while assisting the Sheriff’s Office.
The Sheriff’s Office would also like to thank Ark Valley Veterinary Hospital for assisting in the care and housing of these animals.
— Andrew L. Van Der Wege, Russell County Sheriff