By CAROLE ROBINSON / Review Appeal Staff Reporter

Since Jan. 22, when 230 animals were seized from the Oakwood Estates home of Jennifer Siliski by Williamson County Animal Control (WCAC), volunteers have worked night and day caring for the dogs and cats, racking up hours and saving the county more than $50,000.

The animals were taken in a raid on Siliski’s home after numerous complaints about her puppy mill business practices. This week, Siliski was charged with 30 counts of animal cruelty and possession of an illegal substance, Ketamine, which is used as a tranquilizer.

As of Monday, 40-50 volunteers working two shifts daily and on weekends have totaled up more than 4,700 hours and saved the county a hefty $28,000.

Those volunteers include celebrities and veterinarians, some traveling from Nashville to help with the massive job of caring for the animals. Many of the dogs — Maltese and Westies — had various health conditions.

To date, 44 puppies have been delivered, but only 23 survived. The remaining pups died of genetic deficiencies, according to Animal Control officials.

“This has been an experience,” said WCAC Assistant Director Debby Leddy. “People are making new friends while working together taking care of the animals.”

Those who can’t volunteer have been sending in money. Donations from concerned citizens locally and across the country now total more than $24,300, and that doesn’t include the food, cages, blankets, towels, toys and in-kind services offered by area businesses.

The donations and volunteers will make Animal Control’s $45,000 budget for the seized animals go much further.

“We couldn’t survive without the volunteers and donations,” WCAC Director Tony Fortner said. “I can’t say enough about the way people have opened up their hearts to these animals.”

More good news for Animal Control: In the next few days, the dogs — which are still in custody and not available for adoption — will be moving to a new home with more room, officials said.

While the case is moving ahead, “We cannot adopt any dog until the case is finalized,” said Deputy District Attorney Derrick Smith.

With the dogs’ health stabilized and their numbers continuing to grow, the need for larger quarters was increasingly more crucial. A space was found at the old Battle Ground Academy campus, which is now owned by the county.

The new home will decrease the chance of disease spreading through the entire population at Animal Control. It will also allow the dogs more room to exercise and make it easier to maintain the cages and monitor each animal.

With offices, corridors and hallways stacked with cages and runs for the dogs, the main facility will now get some much needed breathing space for its everyday operations.

Staff Reporter Carole Robinson can be contacted at carole@reviewappeal.com.