I don’t know what it is about this state. Thank God for
rescue groups like ARC…. once again, they are in Tennessee. This time, it is for a fighting ring about
40 miles NW of Nashville. I hope they can throw the book at this guy. Cruelty is one charge, but fighting is much
more serious. The dogs had open wounds,
exposed and broken bones, they were all emaciated, all trying to break from the
short heavy chains - just sickening. They found bones scattered all over the
property, and also in burn piles. It
was hard to watch. There was even a noose hanging from a tree.
ANIMAL
RESCUE CORPS REMOVES 65 DOGS FROM SUSPECTED FIGHTING OPERATION IN CHEATHAM
COUNTY, TN
Ashland City, TN –
International non-profit animal protection organization Animal Rescue Corps
(ARC) removed 65 dogs from the property of a suspected dog fighting operation
today in Ashland City, about 35 minutes west of Nashville, in a rescue mission
called Operation Broken Chain.
On Thanksgiving night the Ashland City Fire
Department and the Pleasant View Fire Department responded to a brush fire at
an Ashland City residence. Their discovery of a large number of dogs chained
around the property prompted them to call Cheatham County Animal Control (CCAC)
who identified the situation as a suspected dog fighting/breeding operation. CCAC
found 65 dogs, mostly American Pit Bull Terriers and some Beagles, all
requiring medical attention, none with access to food or fresh water.
“We believe this is
the largest dog fighting rescue in Tennessee history,” said ARC President
Scotlund Haisley. “The conditions Animal Rescue Corps found on this property
are the worst I have ever seen at a dog fighting operation in my 22-year career
in animal protection.”
CCAC identified
dogfighting paraphernalia such as a treadmill, fighting pen, and a spring pole used
for strengthening dogs’ jaws. The dogs are underweight, have sores covering
their bodies, and are exhibiting signs of internal parasites, but are all very
eager for affection despite their desperate living conditions and medical
needs.
“I quickly realized
that Cheatham County Animal Control needed support in immediately addressing
this situation,” said CCAC Director TJ Jordi. “The Animal Rescue Corps team was
on the ground in less than 24 hours to support this rescue operation.”
All the animals on the
property were surrendered to CCAC and relocated to an emergency shelter outside
of Nashville. Their daily care and medical needs will be met by ARC until they
can be assessed for placement and transported to partners around the country.
Animal Rescue Corps
performed this rescue in conjunction with: Cheatham County Animal Control; New
Leash on Life, a shelter in Lebanon, TN; Agape Animal Rescue out of Nashville;
the Nashville Zoo and the Tennessee State Highway Patrol.
And once again, I know
everyone is tight this time of year but even 5 bucks can help. These operations are so expensive.
