Maude, one of several Chihuahuas rescued from an animal hoarder in West Fork recently. Courtesy photo

The Humane Society of the Ozarks is seeking foster families for over 65 Chihuahuas rescued last week in West Fork.

The animals were removed from a trailer on the rural property of an individual running a breeding operation that “got out of hand,” Humane Society officials said.

“A lot of the animals were in the trailer, but we’ve been going back every day and finding more,” said Melissa Owings, president of the Humane Society of the Ozarks. “There were at least 65, and I think they (Humane Society staff) are going back out for one more today.”

Owings said that 10 of the animals are being kept at the Fayetteville Animal shelter, a handful have been taken by area rescue organizations, and that about 20 animals are being boarded by local veterinarians until fosters can be identified.

“We need fosters for sure, but we also need donations to help pay for the boarding and medical costs,” Owing said.

Folks interested in fostering an animal fill out an application online, and donations are also accepted at hsozarks.org.