What started as a tip about a suspected hoarding situation turned into one of the largest single-property rescues in recent memory.
By the time it was over, an estimated 244 dogs had been pulled from one Kentucky property.
The concerns began quietly in late June, when Donna Lafever, director of the Metcalfe County Animal Shelter, received an anonymous out-of-state tip reporting a suspected hoarding situation involving 50 to 75 dogs on Breeding Road in Metcalfe County.
Lafever reached out to a canine rescue advocate for help, and the owners initially agreed to let 10 dogs be removed at a time, receiving mange treatment before being transferred to rescue partners. Seventeen more dogs were later removed as well.
But the situation was far bigger than anyone realized. On July 25, Lafever received another call, this time reporting between 100 and 150 dogs at the same location.
“That’s when I realized that we needed more help,” she said. “That’s when Guardians of Rescue took over.”
Kelly Basham, a director with the New York based nonprofit Guardians of Rescue, stepped in immediately.
Over the course of three days beginning July 29, her team pulled 227 dogs from the single family residence.
Combined with the dogs previously removed by Lafever and another individual, the total reached an estimated 244 dogs rescued from the property.
The conditions rescuers described were heartbreaking. Basham said nearly every dog appeared to be suffering from an upper respiratory illness and mange, with some also battling eye infections.
One puppy had a broken leg, another dog had a severe laceration around its entire abdomen, and a senior dog was struggling with erratic breathing.
A Rottweiler had reportedly been unable to walk due to being confined in a crate too small for its body.
The dogs were surrendered voluntarily after the property owner was informed authorities would pursue a warrant if the animals weren’t relinquished.
Basham noted, however, that surrendering the dogs does not shield the owner from potential criminal charges under state law, and she has been working with law enforcement to gather evidence that could support that process.
The rescue effort brought together an entire network of partner organizations, including Paws of War, KY Hopeful Paws, Fairy Tales, Paws Angels, The Arrow Fund, Woodstock, Rescue Haven Inc., Adopt A Pit, Furever Brooke Haven, Tails and Trails, and Saving Lives.
Nearly 250 dogs are now finally getting the medical care and second chances they deserve, all because one person made a call.
Have you ever reported a suspected hoarding or breeding situation in your community?
Source:
glasgownews1 – “244 dogs rescued from suspected backyard breeding operation in Metcalfe County”