Pittsburgh’s three major shelters – Animal Friends, the Animal Rescue League Shelter & Wildlife Center, and the Western PA Humane Society – have stepped up in a united front to save pets caught in the middle of a licensing suspension at Triangle Pet Control Services in McKees Rocks.
On Monday, Triangle Pet Control’s license to operate was revoked and the business was ordered to no longer provide animal control or kenneling services for dogs. Animal Friends, the Animal Rescue League, and the Western PA Humane Society, all with longstanding histories of rescuing pets slated for euthanasia at Triangle, immediately came forward to rescue pets from Triangle or offer veterinary assistance.
Initially, Triangle Pet Control turned away the shelters’ offers to assist and reported that all of the pets were being transported to a rescue group across the state.
On Thursday, October 4, the local shelters learned that due to a delay more than 20 pets were still waiting for a lifeline at Triangle Pet Control. Some were sick and in need of veterinary care. The shelters quickly mobilized to help.
That same day, Animal Friends rescued nine dogs from Triangle. On Friday, October 5, the Animal Rescue League rescued nine additional dogs. The remaining animals have been scheduled to be reclaimed by their owners.
The Western Pennsylvania Humane Society is investigating the death of a mixed breed dog who died in its cage at Triangle. The Western Pennsylvania Humane Society is awaiting necropsy results, which are expected in 1-2 days. Pending the results of the necropsy, charges may be filed against Triangle.
All three local shelters have been committed to helping the pets in need at Triangle Pet Control from the onset of this situation. Animal Friends, Animal Rescue League and Western PA Humane Society remain committed to a collaborative effort to ensure the safety of the
pets at Triangle now and in the future.
As the appeal process for Triangle’s license proceeds and discussion about the business’ ownership continues, the shelters will watch closely and support real and positive change for the animals in our county.
The rescued pets, three of which are currently under supportive care at a local emergency clinic, will be medically and behaviorally evaluated, spayed or neutered, and made available for adoption into loving homes.
For more information, visit the shelters’ websites at www.ThinkingOutsideTheCage.org, www.Animalrescue.org and www.wpahumane.com. Pittsburgh’s animal shelters are non-profit organizations that rely on donations and community support.
About Animal Friends
Animal Friends is a non-profit companion animal resource center serving the needs of pets and people since 1943. Our progressive programs have been nationally recognized and include humane rescue, shelter and adoption services for over 2,400 pets annually, humane
education, pet behavior classes, pet-assisted therapy, wellness programs and more. In addition, Animal Friends is leading the way towards ending pet overpopulation in western Pennsylvania through comprehensive, community-wide spay/neuter programming. Animal Friends is supported by donors, 700 volunteers and a staff dedicated to ensuring the well being of companion animals, while ending overpopulation, abuse and unwarranted euthanasia. For more information, visit https://www.thinkingoutsidethecage.org/site/R?i=PhuUOIoUHtXAFz_McYvNaQ
About the Animal Rescue League
ANIMAL RESCUE LEAGUE OF WESTERN PA’s mission is to provide temporary shelter, food, medical attention, and comfort to all abandoned, neglected and injured animals brought to us by the community; to restore lost animals to their owners or seek new homes for them, and to educate the public about the humane care of animals with a goal of reducing overpopulation.