A case of animal abandonment in Baileyton has sparked concern after over a dozen dogs were found abandoned.
Fifteen dogs were rescued Monday by animal control after being abandoned for at least a week in a home in Baileyton. The tenant who had been living on the property left the dogs behind and has yet to return.
Robin Morrison with Pawsitively Posh Pet Rescue told Radio Greeneville News that she was notified about the situation approximately a week ago. Since then, her team had been visiting the property twice daily to feed the animals while monitoring the situation. After a week passed with no sign of the tenant, animal control removed the dogs from the situation and brought to safety at Pawsitively Posh Pet Rescue.
Morrison suspects there may have originally been more than 15 dogs at the residence and believes someone may have rescued some of the animals before authorities arrived.
When rescued, the dogs were found in poor condition. Two of them had been chained, including a mother dog to six three-month-old puppies and possibly some of the other older dogs. The mother had a raw, furless neck from the chains, and many of the dogs were infested with fleas and ticks. Morrison estimates there were roughly 1,000 ticks removed from the group in total, which took nearly two full days. The puppies were also diagnosed with hookworms, roundworms, and whipworms.
The dogs are now receiving medical care and treatment through Pawsitively Posh Pet Rescue. They are being treated for intestinal parasites and will begin monthly heartworm, flea, and tick prevention regimens. They’re also receiving all necessary booster vaccinations and nutritional support, along with medications to treat ongoing conditions.
Animal Control has launched an investigation to determine who is responsible for abandoning the animals and leaving them in that condition.
