HORSE CAVE, KY – Animal Rescue Corps (ARC), a national animal protection nonprofit, responded to a request from animal control in Hart County, KY, to assist with nearly sixty large dogs, including puppies only a few weeks old, living in neglectful conditions at a breeding operation/hoarding situation located about an hour Northeast of Bowling Green, KY. All of the animals were surrendered to Animal Rescue Corps by the owner and the facility was shut down by Hart County law enforcement.
When rescuers arrived, they found fifty-eight dogs, including pregnant females. Most of the dogs were chained to trees and stakes in the woods with only makeshift shelters of palettes, water barrels, plywood, or a horse trailer for cover. Some ran loose, in and around the barren property, while others were in small, ramshackle pens. Great Danes, St. Bernards, Australian Shepherds, Doberman Pinschers, Bullmastiffs, and Great Pyrenees were just a few of the breeds rescued. Three litters of small puppies were also discovered on the property, kept in small wire cages on the muddy ground, completely exposed to weather, and without access to food or water. Many of the dogs exhibited signs of obvious and chronic neglect including eye injuries, fur loss, internal and external parasites, anemia, gastrointestinal issues, bite wounds, matting, and more. A majority of the dogs were under weight and some of the female dogs were pregnant.
ARC placed the puppy litters and their mothers and three other dogs directly with Kentucky Humane Society to be placed in foster homes and transported all of the remaining dogs to ARC’s Rescue Center in Gallatin, Tenn., about 30 minutes east of Nashville. Each dog received a thorough veterinary exam, appropriate vaccinations, and necessary medical treatments before being matched and transported to trusted shelter and rescue partner organizations that will ultimately adopt them into loving homes. ARC is grateful to Animal Rescue Kare for their investigative work and their assistance in the field.
Learn More:
Photos: On-scene
Media:
Fox56: “Nearly 60 dogs rescued from breeder in Hart County, puppies kept in mud exposed to elements”
WBKO: “Nearly 60 dogs rescued from deplorable conditions in Kentucky”
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