100 Dogs Saved From Abusive Animal Rescue Group

Nearly 100 dogs were found abused and in deplorable condition at the site of an animal rescue group in Wingo, Kentucky that was set up to save them and give them a chance for a new life.

Animal Rescue Corps (ARC) assisted Kentucky’s Graves County Sheriff’s Office in the rescue effort called “Operation Sweethearts.”

When rescuers arrived on the scene they found various breeds and sizes of dogs including hound mixes, Poodles, Cocker Spaniels, Maltese, Pomeranians, a Rottweiler and many other breeds running loose among piles of debris and living in crowded, dilapidated pens and small filthy cages in several buildings on the property.

There were dead dogs and dog bones scattered throughout the property. ARC reported that some of the dogs were so hungry they had begun consuming the remains of those that had died.

“This is one of the worst cases of animal abuse I have seen,” said Animal Rescue Corps President Scotlund Haisley. “The dogs had no access to food, water, or shelter. They were eating each other to stay alive.”

The case began when ARC received a tip that a non-profit organization set up to rescue dogs was abusing them. After several months of investigation, evidence was brought to the sheriff who obtained a warrant to seize the dogs.

“Graves County takes allegations of animal abuse very seriously,” said Sheriff Dewayne Redmon. “We did not hesitate when Animal Rescue Corps brought us the information necessary to take action.”

All of dogs were transported to an emergency shelter set up at the Tennessee State Fairgrounds. The animals will receive veterinary exams, vaccinations and any necessary medical treatments by a team of local veterinarians. ARC will provide daily care until custody of the animals is determined and animals can be placed with shelters and rescue groups.

ARC’s rescue effort worked in conjunction with Ady Gil World Conservation, who provided funds and PetSmart Charities who donated many of the supplies. Additional support was provided by Bowling Green Humane Society and Holistic Pet Source.

ARC rescue team searching for animal remains.

Dogs were found living among canines that starved to death.

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Debbie C.

7:43AM PDT on Mar 19, 2012

It sounds like the animal 'rescue' group in Wingo, Kentucky was in truth, a animal 'torture' group.

I agree with some of the other comments - why did it take "several months" to get these poor babies out of there???

Rest in Peace, little ones who did not make it out alive!!!

send a green star

susan k.

5:36AM PST on Mar 10, 2012

OMG COULD OF DONE WITHOUT THE GRAPHIC PIC OF THE DEAD DOG BROKE MY HEART

Kathy P.

9:07PM PST on Mar 6, 2012

This is so very sad and heart breaking!!!
Why did it take months for these animals to get out.
Thank you to everyone that provided supplies to help these animals. What is wrong with people.
The people that did this should be punished to the fullest extent of the law. Then... let them live out their lives like they made these animals do.
I wish all the dogs that did make it to find homes and be well cared for the rest of their lives.

Cheryl R.

8:06AM PST on Mar 3, 2012

Is there any way to get pictures of the dogs that were held there? Maybe the owners can be found!

Deborah L.

7:43PM PST on Feb 29, 2012

To those who comment on the length of time before getting these animals out. I agree, but probably due to our red tape legal system, they waited until they had more than enough evident to make certain charges stick and are not thrown out due to some legal loophole and have these people go back and repeat the same thing all over again, as they know not much will happen to them.

Like when I was still working as a prison guard, my senior officer said we could write people up on this small infraction, but more than likely, they will get a slap on the wrist and let go with little no penalty. Instead, let them go and make it a major infraction, then sink your teeth into it and make it stick. That way it is harder to walk away without some form of punishment and restrictions to discourage this type of behavior in the future.

It is to bad many of these "rescue" animals and I use the word loosely, had to endure this abuse, but now they are safe from these abusers and hopefully most of them will be able to be adopted into loving homes.

Debbie L.

12:47PM PST on Feb 29, 2012

Horrible.

Chantal W.

5:31AM PST on Feb 29, 2012

It makes me sad to read that the investigation that took several months because, presumably, so many dogs starved to death until a warrant could be obtained? Isn't there a way to visit a rescue centre to verify that the animals are being looked after properly? Tragic.

Alice S.

4:04AM PST on Feb 29, 2012

When will this ever stop-!!
SPAY AND NEUTER PLEASE!!!!!

Ruth B.

8:57PM PST on Feb 28, 2012

Ah, one of those "rescuers" which start with an "H" (and rhyme with "boarder")

Cori J.

6:06PM PST on Feb 28, 2012

Noted