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Cincinnati Animal CARE received 112 dogs in seven days, including 38 seized through ongoing animal welfare investigations. The latest seizures included 24 dogs removed from two Hamilton County properties, adding pressure to a shelter already operating without available kennel space. The organization is seeking foster families, adopters and volunteers to help accommodate incoming animals.
Cincinnati Animal CARE is facing a critical overcrowding situation after taking in 112 dogs in seven days, including 38 seized through ongoing animal welfare investigations.
The recent intake has left Hamilton County’s only open-intake animal shelter without available kennel space, prompting an urgent request for foster families, volunteers and adopters.
According to a November 5 announcement from Cincinnati Animal CARE, 24 of the 38 seized dogs came from two separate Hamilton County properties over two consecutive days.
Cincinnati Animal CARE takes in 112 dogs in seven days
Humane agents and Hamilton County dog wardens removed 38 dogs through recent animal welfare investigations, adding to the shelter’s growing population.
The latest operations involved two separate properties.
On Tuesday, November 3, authorities removed 14 large, shepherd-type dogs from one property. On Wednesday, November 4, they seized another 10 dogs of varying sizes from a second location.
The remaining 14 dogs were also seized through other animal welfare investigations.
Cincinnati Animal CARE said more than one-third of the 112 dogs received during the week cannot currently be adopted because they remain under investigation.
The shelter must continue providing these animals with housing, food and medical attention while their legal status is determined.
Investigation holds prevent dogs from being adopted
Dogs removed during cruelty and neglect investigations cannot immediately enter the adoption process.
According to Cincinnati Animal CARE, deputy dog wardens must file for a probable-cause hearing within 10 days following a seizure.
If probable cause is established, a bond may be required to cover the animals’ care costs.
Until the legal process determines their status, the seized dogs must remain in care.
This creates additional pressure on a shelter already operating without available kennel space.
Meaghan Colville, chief dog warden and chief operating officer of Cincinnati Animal CARE, said animal welfare investigations contribute to the overcrowding residents see at the shelter.
The organization also emphasized that humane agents and dog wardens remove animals from situations where their health and safety may be at risk.
Seven large-scale animal seizures reported in three months
The latest investigations are part of a broader pattern of large-scale animal welfare cases in Hamilton County.
Cincinnati Animal CARE reported that the Hamilton County Dog Warden has responded to seven high-volume cases involving six or more dogs from a single property over the past three months.
These investigations include an August operation involving more than 150 animals removed from a Westwood property.
The August 12 seizure was the largest in Cincinnati Animal CARE’s history.
The animals included dogs, cats, rats, rabbits, reptiles, chickens, a goose and a turkey.
The shelter said these large-scale cases, along with smaller cruelty and neglect investigations, have placed additional pressure on its already overcrowded facilities.
Seeking for foster families and volunteers
With no available kennel space and some dogs living in temporary accommodations, Cincinnati Animal CARE is asking the community for immediate assistance.
The shelter is encouraging residents to help through three primary ways:
- Foster animals: Temporary foster homes can free up space inside the shelter while providing animals with a home environment.
- Adopt available pets: Residents can adopt animals that have completed the necessary processes and are cleared for adoption.
- Volunteer: Community members can assist shelter staff with daily animal care and other activities.
Cincinnati Animal CARE said new foster families and volunteers will receive priority onboarding.
The organization also encourages residents to check on neighbors, friends and family members who may be struggling to care for their pets.
Spaying and neutering animals and reporting suspected cruelty or neglect early can also help prevent situations from becoming more serious.
Where to find Cincinnati Animal CARE
Cincinnati Animal CARE operates Hamilton County’s only open-intake animal shelter and serves as the county’s sole provider of animal services.
Residents interested in adopting, fostering or volunteering can visit either facility.
Both locations are open daily from 1 p.m. to 6 p.m.
Colerain Campus: 3949 Colerain Ave., Cincinnati, OH 45223
Dane Avenue Campus: 210 Dane Ave., Cincinnati, OH 45223
Residents can find information about available animals, foster opportunities, volunteering and donations through the organization’s official website.
FAQs
Why can’t the seized dogs be adopted immediately?
The seized dogs remain under investigation while authorities determine their legal status. They cannot enter the adoption process until the necessary legal proceedings are resolved.
Why is Cincinnati Animal CARE facing overcrowding?
The shelter’s capacity problems are linked to a high volume of incoming animals, including dogs seized during cruelty and neglect investigations. Recent large-scale seizures have added to the number of animals requiring immediate housing and care.
How many large-scale animal seizures have occurred in Hamilton County recently?
The Hamilton County Dog Warden has responded to seven high-volume cases involving six or more dogs from a single property over three months, according to Cincinnati Animal CARE.
What was Cincinnati Animal CARE’s largest animal seizure?
The shelter’s largest recorded seizure involved more than 150 animals removed from a Westwood property on August 12, 2026. The animals included dogs, cats, rabbits, rats, reptiles and poultry.
