Dogs, puppies removed from DC home after hours-long stand-off available for adoption

Dogs, puppies rescued from DC home ready for adoption

14 of the dogs rescued from a D.C. home where three police officers were shot prompting an hours-long stand-off are ready to be adopted. FOX 5's Lili Zheng has the latest details.

WASHINGTON - Over a dozen dogs that were removed from the home of a man accused of shooting three D.C. police officers before an hours-long stand-off last month will be available for adoption Saturday.

In total, 31 dogs were removed from the home on Hanna Place SE on Feb. 14. The three police officers shot were there to serve an animal cruelty warrant for the resident of the home, 48-year-old Stephen Claude Rattigan.

He has been charged with assault with intent to kill while armed, assault on a police officer while armed, and possession of a firearm during a crime of violence for the Feb. 14 shooting.

Since February, the dogs have been in the care of Humane Rescue Alliance in D.C.

Chris Schindler, the senior vice president of Animal Welfare and Field Response & Rescue, and his team picked up the 14 dogs that had been deemed ready for adoption on Friday from an undisclosed location where the dogs have been receiving medical and behavioral treatment.

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Mercedes (Humane Rescue Alliance)

"We have seven of the puppies that are about three months old. They are adorable and seven of the adult dogs, which are equally adorable," Schindler said. "This has been an incredibly challenging case and there’s a lot of traumatic events that took place. Seeing these dogs be able to move on to the next steps motivates myself and all of our team. We’re able to see these dogs move on and find new families. That’s what it’s all about for us."

All of the dogs, which are believed to be American bullies or a mix, have been spayed and neutered.

Schindler and his team are encouraging people to come out to their adoption event on Saturday, which includes other animals.

"It never hurts to come in and see the animals we have available. You may find the animal you fall in love with, it’s great socialization for our animals in care," he said. "It gives them an opportunity to meet new people, and you might just find one you want to take home."

The event will be held on Saturday from noon to 7 p.m. at the Humane Rescue Alliance adoption center at 71 Oglethorpe St. NW.