Animal Rescue Corps (ARC), a national animal protection nonprofit, assisted the City of Dyer Police Department recently in the removal of 76 dogs from neglectful conditions at a property in Dyer, about one hundred and fifty miles west of Nashville. All of the animals were seized by the City of Gibson Police Department and taken to ARC’s Rescue Center in Gallatin.
ARC responders found a variety of small and medium size dogs running loose inside the trash-filled residence. Extreme ammonia levels from the compacted feces and urine were some of the highest levels ARC has ever recorded. Litters of puppies only a few weeks old along with pregnant dogs were also found on the property. Because of the lack of veterinary care and the unsanitary, inhumane living conditions, the animals were suffering from a range of medical issues, including numerous bite wounds, emaciation, severe and painful dental disease, fur loss, skin inflammation, ear and eye infections and injuries, and internal and external parasites.
“We had to work quickly to assemble the resources to be here today before these animals suffer one more night and before one more litter of puppies is born in these conditions,” said Kim Rezac, ARC’s Director of Animal Welfare.
The planning for this rescue, dubbed Operation Holiday Heartbreak, began when the City of Dyer Police Department reached out to ARC for assistance after receiving a tip from a concerned citizen and then visiting the property. ARC immediately began assembling tactical equipment and a field team. The City of Dyer Police Department and Fire Department were both on the scene with support in handling the extremely hazardous conditions. Bissell Pet Foundation provided critical financial support for this emergency operation. Animal Rescue Corps managed the safe extraction of every animal, assessment, documentation, and collection of evidence for any cruelty proceedings, and will manage placement with trusted shelter partners.
