Warren County, TN – Animal Rescue Corps (ARC) assisted the Warren County District Attorney’s Office in the rescue of approximately 120 dogs and 5 birds who were found to be living in deplorable conditions at an alleged puppy mill in Warren County. All of the animals were seized by the Warren County Sheriff’s Office.
The responders found Chihuahuas, Pomeranians, Brussels Griffons, and other small breeds living in crowded, unsanitary conditions in small wire hutches outdoors and wooden crates in a basement. The dogs, some of whom had recently given birth, lacked proper socialization and veterinary care. The dogs, most of whom were severely matted, were living in enclosures encrusted with feces and urine; and in at least one cage a dog was found living with the remains of two dead dogs. This case began when ARC received a tip concerning the welfare of the dogs. Evidence brought by ARC to the Warren County District Attorney’s Office revealed violations of county and state cruelty laws.
“The District Attorney’s Office is proud to continue our aggressive prosecution of animal abuse and neglect cases and is proud to partner today with the Animal Rescue Corps to address a very unfortunate situation.”
– District Attorney Lisa Zavogiannis.
ARC safely removed all of the animals and transported them to an emergency shelter set up at the Tennessee State Fairgrounds in Nashville where they received urgent medical, physical, and social care. Once full custody was won, ARC placed the animals with vetted placement partners to find their forever homes. One of the first rescues from this puppy mill went on to become the inspiration behind Theo’s Legacy Circle (TLC).
Type: Emergency Rescue
Date: March 29, 2011
Location: Centertown, TN, USA
Rescue Total: 126
Species: Dogs: 121, Birds: 5
“The District Attorney’s Office is proud to continue our aggressive prosecution of animal abuse and neglect cases and is proud to partner today with the Animal Rescue Corps to address a very unfortunate situation.”
– District Attorney Lisa Zavogiannis.
Learn More:
Photos: On-scene
Updates: Warren County, TN Puppy Mill, 10 Years Later
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.
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