THE Humane Society of the United States is facing claims it neglected rescue dogs after three Great Danes died in its care.
The dogs were among 83 Great Danes rescued from squalid conditions at a mansion in America and their owner is now facing cruelty charges.
But it is the HSUS that has ended up in the dock of human opinion over the deaths following the testimony of lawyer in the case.
A veterinarian expert, Dr. Samantha Ann Moffitt, a witness for the woman charged with 12 counts of animal cruelty, testified that the animals would be better off in new homes rather than remain in the care of the Humane Society of the United States.
Moffat said: “I definitely think after looking at these dogs yesterday they would be better off re-homed.
“They are stressed in that environment just with us walking through.
“I was kind of actually surprised. I’d walk in, and they would barely lift their heads up.
“They wouldn’t get off their little bed. You can just tell they are kind of depressed.”
Her testimony has shocked America. The Humane Society of the United States is one of the biggest animal welfare organisations in the country and the rescue of so many animals has been a high profile media story.
Police and HSUS officials rescued the animals after raiding her home last June.
Since then they have been held as evidence at a secret location.