Halloween – a time when evil is celebrated and the scary is brought to life. On Oct. 31, 2002, a border patrol stopped a semi truck crossing the border between Canada into Montana. When the back door was opened, he met evil face to face. Inside of the cabin were 165 Collies (rough & smooth coat), 6 other dogs, and 10 cats all crammed together, matted and lying in each other’s waste. They were all sick and emaciated.
The drivers, a couple with a large breeding farm in Alaska was moving their animals to Arizona, were charged with neglect and had to await their trial. Meanwhile the collies were still considered their “property”. The Shelby, Montana city officials feared what would happen to the dogs, especially since the small town did not have the resources to care for so many sick animals.
After word spread, collie lovers around the country determined to give a good life to these poor animals. “Camp Collie,” was set up at the local fairgrounds, and one of the most massive rescue missions in history began. Veterinarians, trade professionals, and other people from all over came each day to walk, clean, water, feed, groom, comfort and care for these helpless animals. After months of delays, investigations, a hung jury, and a camp move to a nearby warehouse, a jury finally convicted the neglectful owners on all counts of animal cruelty. The dogs could finally be adopted out to new forever homes. On August 3, 2003, nearly a year after the horrible findings of that All Hallows Eve night, the last dog left Camp Collie II for his new home.
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2 Responses to The Montana Collies
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TRANSLATE:
I was the Officer that opened that trailer door at the Montana border that cold Halloween night. Being a dog lover myself. I was sickened at what I saw. I am glad the story had a very good ending and the Harmons were convicted. One correction though, it was not Border Patrol it was U.S Customs.
Thanks,
Russ Hancock
I was so sad to hear of this occurence, because I had a collie from Athena Lethco-Harmon’s kennel. He was a fantastically beautiful and gentle dog and the only reason I could get him was that he was a monorchid and could not be used for breeding. Ms. Harmon was a respected breeder and shower in Alaska, and known Outside as well. As far as I could tell, and based on my own experience, she had very fine quality dogs.
I wonder if the bloodlines of her dogs are being perpetuated anywhere? Was anything known about their pedigrees?
Betsy Arehart
Anchorage, AK