Animal Rescue Corps (ARC), a national animal protection nonprofit, responded to requests for assistance on two separate properties in rural areas of Arkansas Wednesday. In the first case, a health crisis for the guardian temporarily left the care of 40 animals to a relative. In the second case the resident, living on a fixed income, attempted to help stray dogs in a county lacking animal control resources but quickly became overwhelmed due to uncontrolled breeding, resulting in 40 dogs at each home. Law enforcement was not involved because both property owners requested help directly.
On the first property in the rural area of Tumbling Shoals, about 70 miles north of Little Rock, rescuers found 40 small dogs living inside and outside the home. Many of the dogs are suffering from a general lack of care including fur loss, dental disease, pregnancy, ear infections, tumors, overgrown nails, and internal and external parasites. The second property, located in the rural area of Bismarck, about 65 miles south of Little Rock, had 40 large dogs, including litters of puppies, who were found living inside the house and outside in a filthy feces-filled fenced area filled with trash and broken furniture. A faulty electrical system in the rain electrified parts of the house, including the front door which required the power to be shut off on the whole property so rescuers could safely remove the animals. Many dogs were suffering from emaciation, skin infections, fur loss, dental disease, pregnancy, ear infections, anemia, and internal and external parasites.
"Cases like these are common in rural areas without animal services," said ARC's Executive Director, Tim Woowardard. "People with limited incomes easily become overwhelmed caring for all the animals whose populations quickly rise without being spayed or neutered."
The planning for this rescue, dubbed Operation Downpour, began when the individuals began reaching out for assistance. ARC transported all the dogs from the properties to ARC’s Rescue Center in Gallatin, Tenn., about 40 minutes east of Nashville, where they are receiving a thorough veterinary exam, all appropriate vaccinations, and all necessary medical treatments. Two litters of puppies were born within hours of arriving at ARC's facility, and several dogs required emergency veterinary care. Once each animal is ready, they will be matched and transported to trusted shelter and rescue partner organizations that will ultimately adopt them into loving homes.
To donate or volunteer to help these dogs and puppies and other animals in need, visit animalrescuecorps.org .
