Wilson County - Tennessee

July 4, 2012:  Groups unite, rescue 110 dogs from Wilson County hoarder

Written by Sarah Ruf

Volunteers from seven Wilson County groups worked to rescue 110 dogs Tuesday from a rural property near Lebanon, where the animals lived in pens covered in feces and used rusty barrels for shelter.

The various breeds — Labradors, chows, German shepherds and Rottweilers — will be kept at the Tennessee State Fairgrounds for medical treatment and vaccinations by a Nashville Zoo veterinarian.

Many of the dogs need treatment for injuries as well as conditions such as conjunctivitis, mange and infected footpads. They’re not accustomed to human interaction or an indoor environment, said Peg Petrelli, Tennessee state liaison with nonprofit Animal Rescue Corps..."  More

ANIMAL RESCUE CORPS AND WILSON COUNTY ANIMAL CONTROL RESCUE MORE THAN 100 DOGS FROM A HOARDING SITUATION


Animal Rescue Corps (ARC) assisted Wilson County Animal Control today in the rescue of more than 100 dogs who were living in deplorable conditions on a property about an hour east of Nashville in Lebanon.


This situation, which started with eight unsterilized dogs two decades ago, devolved into a case of hoarding – the largest ever addressed in Wilson County. When responders arrived at the property, they found approximately 110 medium to large dogs, including various mixes of breeds such as Shepherds, Chows, Terriers, Labradors, and Rottweilers, living in feces-laden ramshackle pens with no doors. The dogs only had dilapidated wooden boxes and rusted-through metal bins to use as housing.


“The temperatures in Tennessee have been brutal lately and these dogs have had no shaded relief from the sun or any clean water, the conditions are extremely crowded and unsanitary, and therefore unsafe.” said ARC Tennessee State Liaison Peg Petrelli. “One dog so far has been found dead and the evidence suggests many have not survived this harsh environment.”


Many of the dogs rescued have been affected by medical conditions such as mange, broken legs, bone disorders, conjunctivitis, and blindness resulting from their living conditions and the absence of daily care and medical attention. Many are also un-socialized to humans and very shy because of their lack of individualized attention. All of the animals were surrendered to Wilson County Animal Control.


“We owe our deepest gratitude to the ARC team; without their expertise, assistance and resources this large scale rescue would not have been possibly.” said Wilson County Animal Control Director Mary Burger. “We are grateful Animal Rescue Corps is finally giving these dogs the care they deserve.”..."  More