06/26/2026
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Bitter Root Humane Association
(406) 363-5311
[email protected]
262 Fairgrounds Road, Hamilton, MT 59840
Update on Animals Recovered from Corvallis Cruelty Investigation, May 2026
HAMILTON, MT — Following the recent law enforcement operation in Corvallis, the Bitter Root Humane Association (BRHA) is providing an update regarding the 87, now 98 with births in the shelter, animals seized by the Ravalli County Sheriff’s Office (RCSO).
As part of an ongoing animal cruelty investigation, the RCSO executed a warrant that resulted in the rescue of a large group of animals, including dogs, cats, rats, a tortoise, and livestock. Staff from BRHA, The Humane Society of Western Montana (HSWM), and the Wings Program were on-site to coordinate the removal of the animals under the supervision of the RCSO, and arrange for transportation and veterinary care of all animals removed from the property. Since their arrival at BRHA and HSWM, staff and dedicated volunteers have been working around the clock to provide medical triage, behavioral enrichment, and the basic care necessary to help these animals recover from their previous living conditions. Wings Project has also done a remarkable job in the care of a donkey that needed extensive rehabilitation and treatment, beyond the scope that the shelters were able to provide.
"This has been a massive undertaking for our team, and we are deeply grateful for the patience and understanding we have received from the community during this time. Thank you to our staff, volunteers, partner agencies, groomers and veterinarians who gave their assistance." Our primary focus has been the stabilization and rehabilitation of these animals. We are now reaching a point where many of them are ready to begin their journey toward adoption."
How to Adopt: The BRHA is committed to finding the right fit for these animals, many of whom have endured significant stress. We invite members of the community to visit our facility to meet the animals currently cleared for adoption.
View Available Pets: Updated profiles for the animals can be found at bitterroothumane.org/adoptables.
Visit the Shelter: We are located at 262 Fairgrounds Road in Hamilton. We are open 7 days a week.
Adoption Process: Interested adopters will go through our standard, supportive process, including a meet-and-greet to ensure a safe and successful transition into their new homes. Applications for adoption will reviewed, and approved applications will be put into a lottery drawing. We expect a large volume of applications, and this has historically been the fairest process, we have found, to ensure everyone approved has an equal chance of adoption.
Support Our Mission The influx of such a high volume of animals places a significant strain on our resources. We are currently seeking the following to help support these survivors:
Donations: Financial contributions are vital for covering the ongoing medical expenses for this large-scale rescue. All pets involved will be thoroughly evaluated, vaccinated, chipped, and altered before the adoption is completed, as per our standard adoption process. Donate here: https://crm.bloomerang.co/HostedDonation?ApiKey=pub_c995e724-f461-11ef-b6eb-0699c6635f0d&WidgetId=186368
Supplies: We are in need of additional food, bedding, and enrichment toys appropriate for the various species we are caring for. The dogs range from 10lbs to 60lbs,
Foster Volunteers: We are looking for temporary homes for animals that may benefit from a quiet environment while they continue their rehabilitation. Many of these dogs are socialized, but most still need help adjusting to normal life in a home.
Patience: Our shelter runs on minimal staff and relies heavily on our wonderful volunteers. We ask that you continue to give us your patience and understanding as we rehabilitate and provide the best care possible for these animals, both at our shelter and with the dedicated staff of HSWM.
For more information on how to donate and support our efforts or to inquire about adoption, please visit our website at www.bitterroothumane.org or call the shelter at (406) 363-5311.
About Bitter Root Humane Association: The Bitter Root Humane Association is the only non-profit, open-admission animal shelter serving Ravalli County. We rely solely on donations and grant funding. Dedicated to the health and happiness of homeless companion animals, BRHA works tirelessly to reunite pets with owners, promote population control, and find loving lifelong homes for every animal in their care to build a community where pets and people thrive.
