CHATHAM COUNTY, NC. Feb. 6, 2024— Animal Rescue Corps, a national nonprofit animal protection organization, in partnership with BISSELL Pet Foundation, responded to an urgent request from the Chatham County Sheriff’s Office for assistance with approximately 170 dogs, including schnauzers, mini-schnauzers, and various breeds living in deplorable conditions at an alleged puppy mill in Bear Creek, North Carolina. The Chatham County Sheriff’s Office seized all animals, and two suspected puppy mill operators were arrested and charged with multiple counts of animal cruelty.
Animal Rescue Corps is overseeing the rescue operation and sheltering, medical needs, transport, and care of the animals, as well as legal and evidence documentation assistance while partnering with BISSELL Pet Foundation and AIM in operational planning, field removal, field volunteers, and funding, with support from Nashville Humane Society. The rescue coalition was on scene with the necessary equipment, supplies, transport vehicles, volunteers, and a state-licensed veterinarian soon after receiving the call. “Every rescued dog from a puppy mill represents a triumph against cruelty,” said Tim Woodward, Executive Director of Animal Rescue Corps. “We work to shed light on the dark reality of puppy mills and emphasize the transformative power of adoption in providing these animals with the love and care they deserve.”
In partnership with the Chatham County Sheriff’s Office, Animal Rescue Corps extracted and transported the dogs into ARC’s care, where they are receiving specialized and daily medical, physical, and social care. “We recognize that not all victims of abuse are people, and we take animal cruelty very seriously,” said Sheriff Mike Roberson. “We’re committed to fully enforcing state laws, holding those responsible for such acts accountable. We’re also grateful for the assistance of BISSELL Pet Foundation and Animal Rescue Corps in helping address this situation. Together, as a community, we will work to ensure a safe and compassionate environment for all, human and animal alike.
The seizure led to the arrest of two individuals, Alicia Culberson, and Kelly Privat, on charges of animal cruelty. The remains of multiple dead dogs were found on site, including three in a burn pile and one in a trash can. The surviving dogs, including newborn puppies, endured prolonged exposure to high levels of ammonia, as well as dehydration, malnutrition, parasites, untreated injuries and illnesses, severe matting, skin conditions, and other life-threatening medical conditions consistent with chronic neglect. Multiple pregnant mother dogs are adding to the population in ARC’s care.
ARC’s comprehensive care plan includes repeated examinations and veterinary oversight; medical treatments for communicable illnesses as well as eye, ear, and dental infections; medically necessary bathing and grooming; socialization; and physical rehabilitation to help these animals on their journey to recovery. A large number of the dogs are suffering from coccidia and many from pseudocoprostasis, a potentially life-threatening condition which can prevent normal defecation. “This rescue operation is only possible because of generous individuals providing financial support and volunteers from Alaska and Vermont to Texas and Florida coming to give their time to these neglected animals,” said Tim Woodward. “I came from Michigan to help,” said volunteer Joyce Irvine from Shelbyville, Michigan. “I was hoping to bring moments of joy to the dogs and tell them quietly to ‘hang in there!’ It’s been a welcoming and humbling experience to work with ARC providing care and showing compassion to animals in need.”
Type: Breeding, Cruelty
Date: February 6, 2024
Location: Bear Creek, NC, USA
Rescue Total: 219
Species: Dogs: 219
Learn More:
Photos: On-scene
Media: ABC11: “More dogs seized at Chatham County home, second arrest made”
CBS17: “85 dogs rescued from Chatham County puppy mill ready for adoption”
WRAL: “Rescued Chatham County dogs ready for new homes”
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