Surrender from Tennessee property linked to Cane-9 Rescue and Sanctuary follows reported Georgia animal cruelty investigation and arrests
NASHVILLE, Tenn. — Aug. 14, 2026 — Animal Rescue Corps (ARC), a national nonprofit animal protection organization, rescued 47 animals from the Tennessee property of Cane-9 Rescue and Sanctuary in Cheatham County on Aug. 11 after the animals were surrendered to authorities during an ongoing investigation.
The rescue, dubbed Operation Money Trail, included 37 dogs, seven chickens, two turkeys, and one pig. Six of the dogs were nursing puppies, making them especially vulnerable to neglect and unhealthy living conditions.
The Tennessee operation follows widely reported allegations involving Cane-9 Rescue and Sanctuary’s Georgia property, where law enforcement recently executed search warrants and announced arrests as part of an investigation into alleged animal cruelty and fraud. While the Tennessee property is a separate but related location, the surrender occurred as authorities continue investigating the organization’s operations.
The Cheatham County Sheriff’s Office requested Animal Rescue Corps to provide large-scale animal rescue support, evidence collection, forensic documentation, animal handling expertise, veterinary triage, and emergency sheltering. The investigation remains ongoing.
“The nature of this case is deeply disturbing,” said Animal Rescue Corps Executive Director Tim Woodward. “Unfortunately, we’re seeing a growing trend across the country in which organizations present themselves as legitimate rescues, raise substantial amounts of money in the name of saving animals, and then fail to provide even the most basic standards of care. Animals that were promised safety instead endure prolonged suffering, neglect, and, in too many cases, death. Thankfully, for these 47 animals, that promise of rescue has finally become real.”
Responders found the animals housed in various pens and kennel structures scattered across the property. The enclosures were littered with feces, bones, and debris. Investigators also documented the remains of numerous animals on the property, including multiple fowl, four goats, and a piglet.
One of the rescued turkeys was suffering from severe untreated injuries and was humanely euthanized based on veterinary recommendation.
According to investigators, many of the dogs had previously been confined inside the residence on the property, where ARC responders found extensive accumulations of feces throughout the home and recorded dangerously elevated ammonia levels. Because dogs breathe much closer to the floor, where ammonia from urine accumulates, prolonged exposure can cause significant respiratory irritation and other health complications.
Veterinary examinations revealed conditions consistent with significant neglect. Many of the animals were underweight and dehydrated and suffered from ear and eye infections, internal parasites, ringworm, and coccidia. Additional diagnostics and medical evaluations are ongoing.
“This case underscores why organizations like Animal Rescue Corps exist,” Woodward said. “When the number of animals and complexity of a case exceed local capacity, communities need experienced responders who can deploy immediately, document evidence, care for the animals, and support law enforcement throughout the process.”
The dogs were transported to ARC’s Rescue Center outside Nashville, where they are receiving comprehensive veterinary examinations, vaccinations, medical treatment, nutritious food, behavioral support, and safe shelter. The rescued chickens, surviving turkey, and pig have been placed with ARC’s farmed animal rescue partner, Piccolo Farms Animal Sanctuary, for continued care.
Officials in Cheatham County continue to take a proactive approach to addressing animal cruelty, seeking assistance when cases exceed local resources.
Animal Rescue Corps responds nationwide to large-scale animal cruelty investigations, disaster response, and shelter relief operations, providing specialized expertise in animal rescue, emergency sheltering, forensic documentation, and evidence collection.
For more information about Animal Rescue Corps or to support its ongoing rescue efforts, visit www.animalrescuecorps.org.
About Animal Rescue Corps
Since 2010, Animal Rescue Corps (ARC), a national animal protection nonprofit organization, has provided large-scale animal rescue for communities that lack resources to address abuse. In addition to emergency rescue, ARC offers education and shelter relief. ARC’s mission is to end animal suffering through direct and compassionate action and to inspire the highest ethical standards of humanity towards animals. In 2025, ARC Executive Director Tim Woodward was honored as a CNN Hero and selected as one of five finalists for the CNN Hero of the Year award. To learn more about Animal Rescue Corps, visit animalrescuecorps.org/.
