Ep 9. Saved from Starvation

Animal Precinct is a reality television series that follows the daily activities of the humane law enforcement division of the ASPCA in New York City. The show focuses on the efforts of the ASPCA officers to rescue and save animals from abusive and neglectful situations, and to bring their abusers to justice. In the season 4 episode 9, titled “Saved from Starvation”, the ASPCA team is called to investigate a case of animal cruelty where a group of dogs have been left to starve in a basement.

The episode begins with the ASPCA officers heading to a Bronx apartment building where they have received a tip about a possible case of animal abuse. The team includes ASPCA inspector Annemarie Lucas who has over 10 years of experience in animal welfare and rescue operations. As they enter the building, they can smell the unmistakable stench of urine and feces. The team is met by the building’s superintendent who leads them to the apartment, which is located in the basement. The superintendent reports that the tenant has not been seen for weeks and that there are several dogs barking and crying inside the apartment.

Upon entering the apartment, the ASPCA officers are greeted by a heartbreaking scene. The dogs are emaciated and dehydrated, some tied up and others left to roam around in their own filth. Inspector Lucas takes charge and starts to assess the dogs’ conditions. She checks their vital signs and evaluates their overall health. Some of the dogs appear to be in very poor condition with no access to food or water for days, if not weeks. Inspector Lucas notes that the most severe cases will require immediate veterinary care.

The ASPCA team starts to gather evidence and takes photographs of the scene. They find empty food and water bowls indicating that the dogs were once fed but have since been abandoned and left to starve. Inspector Lucas also finds evidence of dog fighting – there are dogfighting paraphernalia, such as collars with spikes and treadmills for forced exercise, in the apartment. She notes that some of the dogs have scars and injuries consistent with dogfighting.

The team works quickly to remove the dogs from the apartment and transport them to the ASPCA’s Animal Hospital. The dogs are given a thorough examination and are treated for malnutrition and dehydration. Some of the dogs require immediate surgery to treat their injuries. Inspector Lucas explains that the ASPCA’s Animal Hospital has a specialized team of veterinarians and technicians who are trained and experienced in treating abused and neglected animals.

As the days go by, the team works tirelessly to nurse the dogs back to health. They take the time to get to know each dog individually, understanding their unique personalities and habits. They provide them with the love and attention they need to heal both physically and emotionally.

The ASPCA team also continues to investigate the case, gathering evidence and interviewing witnesses. They soon discover that the apartment tenant was involved in dogfighting and had abandoned the dogs when he realized the authorities were closing in on him. The ASPCA officers work closely with the police department and the district attorney’s office to bring the abuser to justice.

In the end, the team successfully rescues all of the dogs and they are put up for adoption. Many of the dogs find loving forever homes and are adopted by families who vow to give them the life they deserve. The episode ends with the words of Inspector Lucas, “We will never give up on these animals. We will always fight for them, and we will continue to work to end animal cruelty in our city.”