Summary:

On June 28th, 2016 we placed a Sanctuary Alert on Dogtown Ranch Sanctuary in Rockdale, Texas.


​We visited Dogtown twice this year, once in February at their previous location in Elgin and on Friday, June 17th at their new location in Rockdale. Dogtown is a struggling, home-based shelter where more than 80 dogs are being cared for by one person. 
The photographs and video we included here were taken on June 17th.  Inside the building where more than 30 dogs are housed, the smell of urine permeated the air, and our eyes burned from the ammonia. 
Here is a summary of issues: 

Too many dogs, not enough resources

  • Poor sanitation & ammonia
  • Unclean water
  • Lack of access to water
  • Inadequate shelter
  • Inadequate fencing
  • Recurring dog fights
  • Pattern of Dogtown dogs being surrendered to Bastrop County Animal Shelter and being euthanized
  • Financial duress:  In the RED


Recommended improvements have been submitted to the owner and board members of Dogtown Ranch: 

  1. Close intake
  2. Reduce the number of dogs to match the number of dedicated employees-volunteers and account for the time required for:  Training; Rehab; and Enrichment
  3. Address ammonia by implementing sanitation protocols
  4. Improve ventilation for indoor spaces
  5. Add outdoor runs to the indoor kennels so that no animal is housed inside for long periods of time
  6. Eliminate the use of indoor crates as housing
  7. When crates are used temporarily, ensure the crate is big enough (which includes being able to stand up with tail erect)
  8. Install heating and cooling elements in outdoor pens
  9. Improve fencing of outdoor pens
  10. Opt into an animal care inspection program to ensure standards of care are being consistently achieved
  11. Consult with a behaviorist to implement enrichment programs to reduce stress and improve quality of life
  12. Eliminate debt and stay in the black


​If you are an individual or rescue that sent a dog to Dogtown, please be your dog's advocate. To help reduce the number of dogs, we encourage you to reclaim your dog from Dogtown immediately. 

​​Dogtown Ranch Sanctuary, Rescue & Rehab
Rockdale, Texas

©2016 SANCTUARY WATCH ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

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