Livingston, TN – American Dog Rescue Foundation has once again contributed to a successful raid and rescue in collaboration with Animal Rescue Corps—the second time this month!

Animal Rescue Corps (ARC) assisted the Overton County Sheriff’s Department today in the rescue of twelve dogs, six horses and one cat found living in neglectful conditions in Livingston, TN, about an hour and half east of Nashville. All of the animals were surrendered by the property owner to Animal Rescue Corps.

According to the Animal Rescue Corps, all seven of the adult German Shepherds were emaciated, had inadequate shelter and no food or water. All of the dogs were chained to trees or posts with only dilapidated wooden or plastic crates on the ground for shelter. The five puppies from two litters, approximately 4 and 5 weeks old, were living outdoors in freezing temperatures. Three puppies were emaciated and would likely not have lived through the night. Horses on the property were found living in inadequate conditions, standing in several inches of mud without any food or water. The cat was very thin and suffering from anemia and internal parasites.

“There wasn’t a morsel of food on the property,” said ARC President Scotlund Haisley. “No dog food, no hay or grass, and no water. The dogs were desperate and eating their own feces. I’m thankful that the property owner surrendered 100% of the animals so we could act quickly to save them.”

This case began when ARC received a tip concerning the alleged neglect of the animals. Documentation brought by ARC to the Overton County Sheriff’s Department revealed several animal cruelty code violations.

“We take animal neglect very seriously in this county and sometimes people get in over their heads and can longer care for their animals,” said Chief Tim Poore of the Overton County Sheriff’s Department. “I’m just glad there are rescue groups like Animal Rescue Corps who can step up and help the animals who are suffering.”

ARC safely removed the animals from the property and transported the dogs and cat to an emergency shelter already set up by ARC for a puppy mill rescue performed in Gibson County last week. The horses were transported and will be cared for by Safe Harbor Equine and Livestock Sanctuary of Gallatin, TN. In this rescue, dubbed Operation Good Shepherd, each animal will receive a thorough veterinary exam, appropriate vaccinations, and any necessary medical treatment. Daily care will be provided until they are placed with shelter and rescue organizations around the country that will ultimately adopt them into loving homes.

Animal Rescue Corps performed Operation Good Shepherd in conjunction with the Overton County Sheriff’s Department. American Dog Rescue and Bissell Pet Foundation provided critical financial resources. New Leash on Life of Lebanon, TN provided necessary transport equipment. Animal House Veterinary Clinic in Clarksville, TN and Stable and Stock Veterinary Services provided emergency veterinary care. The Floyd family of Lebanon provided the space for ARC’s emergency shelter.

For more information about Animal Rescue Corps, please visit www.animalrescuecorps.org.