HART COUNTY, Ky. — Nearly 60 dogs have been rescued after large shutdown of a neglectful hoarding/breeding operation in south central Kentucky.
Animal Rescue Corps (ARC) responded to a request from animal control in Hart County, according to a news release. The national animal protection nonprofit was asked to help 58 dogs, including dogs that were pregnant and puppies only a few weeks old, that were living in a "neglectful" breeding operation/hoarding situation.
"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," Tim Woodward, ARC executive director, said. "Some ran loose, in and around the barren property, while still others were in small, ramshackle pens."
A few breeds that were rescued include Great Danes, St. Bernards, Australian Shepherds, Doberman Pinschers, Bullmastiffs, and Great Pyrenees. Three litters of small puppies were also found on the property. Woodward said they were kept in "small wire cages on the muddy ground, completely exposed to weather, and without access to food or water."
"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, matting, and more," Woodward said. Most of the dogs were also found underweight.
All of the animals were surrendered to ARC by the owner and the facility has been shut down, the release said. ARC placed the puppy litters, their mothers, and three other dogs with Kentucky Humane Society (KHS) so they can go to foster homes.
KHS told WHAS11 their veterinary team evaluated the dogs, and the pregnant and nursing ones who were well enough to leave KHS have been successfully placed in foster homes with their puppies to recover until they are "well and old enough" for adoption. Officials said a few remain at KHS while they heal from parasites and tick/flea-borne diseases.
"Most of the animals who arrived at our doors yesterday are scared of human interaction and will require time and patience before they trust people again," a spokesperson for KHS said. The humane society said they will continue to update the public on the dog's progress through email and social media.
"KHS is grateful to have an amazing network of foster families who opened up their homes to these vulnerable animals. Our foster families, along with the monetary support of our community, are what allows KHS to step up and say yes to helping in heartbreaking situations like the one we saw yesterday," a KHS spokesperson said. "We are proud to be a part of saving the lives of innocent animals and giving them a second chance for a happy and healthy life in a loving home."
ARC is transporting all of the remaining dogs to their rescue center in Gallatin, Tenn.
“Freezing temperatures are here and these dogs have been suffering in these harsh conditions for years,” Woodward said. “That part of their life can now end and the healing can begin.”
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