FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
The Humane Society of Richland County
May 15, 2025
Contact: Linda Chambers, Managing Director
Phone: 419-543-0883
Email: president.hsrc@gmail.com
On May 3rd, The Humane Society of Richland County received a call after hours from the Mansfield Police Department Dispatch. An officer was called to a residence after neighbors reported the owners had been evicted days before and had left a very young puppy locked inside a wire crate. Dispatch requested immediate assistance because officer didn’t believe the puppy was going to survive
Our Humane Agent responded immediately, and upon arrival, found a puppy so emaciated and dehydrated that he was unable to stand or lift his head. The puppy was immediately transported to our veterinarian’s office after hours and was examined. He weighed in at 3.5 pounds on intake, almost 8-10 pounds less than he should weigh, and was lethargic, listless, and with a low body temperature. IV fluids were immediately administered and puppy was determined to be in extremely guarded condition.
“This was the worst case of intentional animal neglect our organization has seen, and we are absolutely certain that this puppy was very close, literally hours from, passing away,” said Linda Chambers, Managing Director. Responding Humane Agent Sara Tschantz agrees. “When I walked in in the house, I thought he was already dead,” Tschantz said. “When he looked at me, I was in disbelief that he was still living.”
The next 72 hours were critical to the puppy’s care, and although he remained too weak to stand or walk, this puppy showed an extraordinary will to live. Humane Society staff named him Ezekiel for “God will strengthen.”
Ezekiel spent the first week at the vet’s office, with a continuous IV fluids and around the clock monitoring. He slowly developed an appetite and starting showing signs of strength by standing for short periods of time and barking before becoming completely exhausted. By the end of the first week, he was deemed “guarded but less so,” and was sent home for the weekend with one of the Registered Vet Techs at the vet’s office where he is being cared for.
Ezekiel (EZ) is continuing his stay at foster and spending his days in the vet’s office until he is closer to his goal weight. Once he reaches that, he will be available for adoption. As of this writing, EZ is up to 6.2 pounds and growing. EZ is now able to stand, walk, and play, and he has found his voice. He barks! Humane Society staff admittedly hopes to “keep him in the family” with someone on their staff or someone from the vet’s office. “It’s hard to let him go,” admits Chambers.
“EZ has had a huge outpouring of support, both from our community, and throughout the world. Our regular Facebook updates on his condition receive thousands of comments from people locally and all over the world. We’ve heard from people in Canada, England, South Africa, and Ireland. It just speaks volumes to how much EZ’s story of survival resonates with people,” said Chambers.
The Humane Society of Richland County will be pursuing charges of animal cruelty toward EZ’s previous owners. “We’re hopeful that with all the attention this story is getting, that this encourages lawmakers to seek harsher penalties for people who abuse animals,” said Chambers. “EZ didn’t deserve to be treated the way he was. Discarded and left to die. No animal deserves that.”
The Humane Society of Richland County, located at 3025 Park Avenue West in Ontario is a 501c3 non-profit organization that does not receive any state, local, or federal funding. Interested in supporting us or learning more about HSRC? Follow us on Facebook or go to our website at www.adoptourstrays.com.