LIBERTY, KY – Animal Rescue Corps (ARC), a national animal protection nonprofit, responded to a request from law enforcement in Casey County, KY, to assist with the rescue of forty-four large dogs in immediate need of rescue after they were found living in deplorable conditions. The rescue operation, aptly named “Operation Frozen Sorrows,” unfolded on January 14, approximately two hours Southeast of Louisville at a house doubling as a home and as a self-described “rescue.”
The animals and their poor conditions were discovered after the tenant was unexpectedly hospitalized. Casey County has a small animal shelter but in no way could take in forty-four badly neglected animals. ARC was founded to humanely assist animals and communities in situations like this.
When rescuers arrived they found forty-four dogs inside and outside the home. Some were confined to crates while others were running loose. Freezing temperatures and high ammonia levels inhibited rescuers’ efforts and additional safety equipment was needed to keep rescuers safe.
Three deceased dogs were discovered on the property, two of whom were frozen solid. Belgian Malinois, Great Danes, St. Bernards, German Shepherds, pit bulls, border collies, and cattledogs were just a few of the breeds rescued. Many of the dogs exhibit signs of obvious and chronic neglect including eye injuries, fur loss, internal and external parasites, anemia, gastrointestinal issues, bite wounds, and matting. Some of the dogs are emaciated and the majority of the dogs are underweight. The tenant was operating a purported “rescue” out of the home, called “Everything’s Going to be Alright Rescue & Rehabilitation,” an ironic name given how little was “alright” for the animals.
“The alleged rescue operated by the tenant stands as a stark reminder that good intentions must be backed by responsible actions. The suffering of these dogs underscores the ethical responsibility that comes with operating an animal rescue; neglect has no place in the realm of animal rescue and sheltering. This is a very sad situation and a tremendous amount of suffering has ended.,” said ARC Executive Director, Tim Woodward. I’m glad we could assist.”
ARC transported all of the dogs to ARC’s Rescue Center in Gallatin, Tenn., about 30 minutes east of Nashville. Each dog rescued in Operation Frozen Sorrows, is receiving a thorough veterinary exam, appropriate vaccinations, and any necessary medical treatments before they will be matched and transported to trusted shelter and rescue partner organizations that will ultimately adopt them into loving homes.
Type: Hoarding, severe neglect
Date: January 14, 2024
Location: Casey County, KY, USA
Rescue Total: 44 dogs
Learn More:
Photos: On-scene
Media: Yahoo!News: “44 dogs taken to Gallatin rescue after found living on KY property in ‘deplorable’ conditions”
WBKO: “44 dogs saved from ‘deplorable conditions’ in Liberty”
Legal Outcome: Offender charged with 10 counts of animal cruelty and five counts of possession of controlled substances; banned from having more than four dogs or cats and placed on probation.
Donate to help end suffering and inspire compassionate action.
