Humboldt, TN – American Dog Rescue (ADR) founder Arthur E. Benjamin knew it was meant to be the moment everything came together.

“We’ve made tons of rescue connections in the past and funded many puppy mill shutdowns, but this was the perfect storm of chipping in with both a substantial amount of funding AND a shelter that agreed to house every single one of the dogs until they find loving homes,” Arthur said.

Animal Rescue Corps (ARC) did what they do best: shut down a Tennessee puppy mill with assistance from the Gibson County Sheriff’s Office in the rescue of approximately 100 dogs found living in extremely neglectful conditions at a breeding facility at a home about two hours west of Nashville. All of the animals were seized by the Gibson County Sheriff’s Office.

Tri-County Animal Rescue in Boca Raton, Florida (one of ADR’s all-time favorite shelters to partner with and donate to) agreed to house the animals, all of whom will be available soon for adoption to loving homes. All told, ADR chipped in ,000 of the ,000 needed for the rescue effort, plus the invaluable no-kill shelter connection.

Adult dogs and newborn litters of puppies of a variety of small breeds were found crowded into small crates and pens, exposed to extremely high levels of ammonia and without access to adequate water. The dogs were suffering from untreated, painful eye infections, respiratory conditions, dental issues, severe matting that limited their mobility and vision, and urine-soaked, feces-caked fur.

“The conditions were very typical of a puppy mill, where animals live in deplorable conditions and are treated as nothing more than breeding machines. These dogs have been suffering from various untreated illnesses on this property for a very long time,” said ARC President Scotlund Haisley. “A lot of suffering ended here today and I commend the Gibson County Sheriff’s Office for acting quickly and working with Animal Rescue Corps to save these lives.”

This case began when ARC received a tip concerning the alleged neglect of the dogs. Documentation brought by ARC to the Gibson County Sheriff’s Office revealed several violations of county and state animal cruelty codes.

“Gibson County takes allegations of animal cruelty very seriously,” said Gibson County Sheriff Paul Thomas. “These animals needed our help immediately so we didn’t hesitate to accept the assistance of Animal Rescue Corps and take action.”

ARC safely removed the animals from the property and transported them to an emergency shelter set up by ARC for this rescue, dubbed Operation Home for the Holidays. Each animal will receive a thorough veterinary exam, appropriate vaccinations, and any necessary medical treatment. ARC will provide daily care until the court determines custody of the animals. If the animals are awarded to ARC, they will be placed with shelter and rescue organizations around the country that will ultimately adopt them into loving homes.

Animal Rescue Corps performed Operation Home for the Holidays in conjunction with Gibson County Sheriff’s and District Attorney’s Offices. American Dog Rescue and Bissell Pet Foundation provided critical financial resources. PetSmart Charities® contributed essential equipment and supplies and Animal House Veterinary Clinic in Nashville, TN and Animal House Veterinary Clinic in Clarksville, TN provided emergency veterinary care for this rescue.

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

For more information about Tri-County Animal Rescue, please visit https://tricountyanimalrescue.com.