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Animal Rescue Corps and Wayne County Authorities Rescue More Than 80 Animals From Alleged Puppy Mill

Story Provided by Animal Rescue Corps

80 dogs and 2 parrots found living in extremely neglectful conditions

“MONTICELLO, KY – Animal Rescue Corps (ARC) assisted the Wayne County Animal Control and Sheriff’s Office today in the rescue of approximately 80 dogs and 2 parrots found living in extremely neglectful conditions at a home in Monticello, KY, about 3 hours northeast of Nashville, TN. All of the animals were seized by the Wayne County Sheriff’s Office.

ARC 1All animals lacked adequate living conditions, socialization, and veterinary care.

A variety of small breed dogs, including newborn litters, were found crowded into small, dilapidated, outdoor wire and wood hutches and pens encrusted with urine and excessive piles of feces. The only water sources were dirty and green with algae growth. The dogs, the majority of whom were underweight, were suffering from severe eye infections, significant fur loss and matting, urine-soaked fur, and extreme internal and external parasites, such as fleas. The parrots’ were living in similar conditions, their cages and food bowls also covered in feces. All animals lacked adequate living conditions, socialization, and veterinary care.

Animals have been suffering from various untreated illnesses…for more than a decade

“Animals have been suffering from various untreated illnesses on this horrendous property for more than a decade. The conditions were very typical of a puppy mill,” said ARC President Scotlund Haisley. “A lot of suffering ended here today and I commend Wayne County Animal Control, Sheriff’s Office, and County Attorney for acting quickly and working with Animal Rescue Corps to shut this place down.”

This case began when ARC received a tip concerning the alleged abuse of the dogs. Documentation brought by ARC to Wayne County Animal Control revealed several violations of county and state cruelty codes.

These animals needed our help immediately so we didn’t hesitate to accept the assistance of Animal Rescue Corps and take action

“Wayne County takes allegations of animal cruelty very seriously,” said Wayne County Sheriff Charles Boston. “These animals needed our help immediately so we didn’t hesitate to accept the assistance of Animal Rescue Corps and take action.”

ARC 2Each animal will receive a thorough veterinary exam, appropriate vaccinations, and any necessary medical treatment.

ARC is safely removing all of the animals from the property and transporting them to an emergency shelter set up for this rescue, dubbed Operation Unbridled Spirit, in Lebanon, TN, about 40 minutes east of Nashville. Each animal will receive a thorough veterinary exam, appropriate vaccinations, and any necessary medical treatment. ARC will provide daily care until the court determines custody of the animals. If the animals are awarded to ARC they will be placed with shelter and rescue organizations that will ultimately adopt them into loving homes.

Operation Unbridled Spirit: Those Who Helped

Animal Rescue Corps performed Operation Unbridled Spirit in conjunction with Wayne County Animal Control, the Wayne County Sheriff’s Office, and the Wayne County Attorney. The BISSELL Pet Foundation™ provided critical financial resources. New Leash on Life, Cumberland Valley Shows, and Mars Petcare US, Inc. are also contributing essential equipment, supplies, space, and other needed items.”

Thank you Animal Rescue Corps for sharing the story and all your work saving lives. Full Story Link from Sept. 18, 2013: http://animalrescuecorps.org
Photos By: Aimee Stubbs

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