Austin-area residents turned out in droves at the Austin Humane Society over the Memorial Day weekend to adopt many of the more than 170 dogs that were given to the shelter after they were rescued by Bastrop County Animal Control last week.

“We’ve had long lines both Saturday and Sunday for people wanting to adopt these dogs,” said an Austin Humane Society worker as she gave tours to dozens of visitors.

More than 80 dogs had been adopted Saturday and dozens more on Sunday.

Visitors to the shelter could be heard asking, “Are these the dogs from Bastrop?”

Humane society officials reported that, combined with other cats and dogs adopted that were not from Bastrop, a total of about 185 animals had been adopted just on Saturday. On Sunday, the interest in adopting the Bastrop dogs had not waned.

Bastrop animal control officers took control of the dogs after they were surrendered by a Cedar Creek couple who had let the dogs completely take over their home.

Many of the dogs were malnourished and had sores and matted fur. Bastrop shelter director Troy Walters said no dead animals were found and overall, the damage to dogs did not seem extreme, although many of them were in poor shape.

Austin Humane Society officials said there were still some dogs from Bastrop available for adoption.

“Come on out and fill out an application to adopt a dog,” a staff member said.

The Austin Humane Society is located at 124 W. Anderson Lane, between I-35 and North Lamar Boulevard.

Hours are Monday, 12-7 p.m., closed Tuesday, Wednesday through Saturday, 12-7 p.m. and Sunday from 12-5 p.m.

For more information call the society at (512) 646-PETS or see the website at adop
tion@austinhumanesociety.org.

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