Local animal rescue overcapacity after saving 38 dogs from neglect

DYERSBURG, Tenn. — An animal rescue center is overwhelmed after taking in 38 dogs from poor living conditions. The sudden intake has pushed the facility to more than double its intended capacity.

Last week, the Dyersburg-Dyer County Humane Society received a tip of a possible hoarding situation.

An animal control officer visited the premises, and when the owners did not comply, they were granted a search warrant.

“It was very much a hoarding situation. Dogs were just living in kennels stacked on top of each other, and they were living in feces. They didn’t have food or water. They were super emaciated,” said Hayley Box, director of Dyersburg-Dyer County Humane Society.

The dogs were placed in the quarantine area in the shelter where they’re receiving treatment but many of the animals are in poor condition.

“A lot of them had just sores all over them from so many fleas. Almost all of them that we’ve brought to the shelter, we’ve done fecal exams on them. All of them have worms. They’re just super emaciated. They didn’t have food or water, you know, they’re just in really bad shape. They’re undergoing medical care right now at our shelter,” said Box.

The shelter is equipped to handle approximately 43 dogs, but they’re now housing 88, which puts a strain on supplies and staff.

Several local rescue groups are lending a hand and donating supplies. The community has also shown enormous support.

“We’ve reached out to the community. They’re helping a lot. They’re donating a lot of dog food, bleach–cleaning supplies that we need, so, you know, without them, we couldn’t do it,” said Box.

The shelter is asking for supplies to help care for the dogs.

Items needed include: Pedigree dog food, bleach, Fabuloso, paper towels, Rescue or Kennesaw disinfectant, old blankets, dog toys, crates, puppy pads, newspapers and metal bowls.

You can drop off items at 1120 E Court Street Dyersburg, Tennessee. If you aren’t able to drop off supplies, monetary donations are also accepted. To make a donation, click here.

Volunteers are needed to spend time with the animals as well. For more information on volunteering, click here.

For more local news, click here.