113 dogs rescued from horrific conditions in puppy mill

JOELTON, Tenn. — Animal Rescue Corps (ARC), a national nonprofit animal protection organization, rescued 113 small-breed dogs from deplorable conditions in a private residence in Joelton, Tennessee, on July 9, 2025. The rescue, dubbed Operation Breaking Point, was conducted in partnership with Cheatham County Animal Control after local authorities requested emergency assistance.

COURTESY: Animal Rescue Corps

Inside the home, located about 20 miles northwest of Nashville, rescuers discovered dogs and puppies living in extreme neglect. Yorkshire Terriers, Maltese, Havanese, Poodles, and “designer” mixes were found confined to filthy cages, pens, and makeshift enclosures throughout the house, with others loose and some in shockingly inhumane conditions—including several housed inside a kitchen oven.

Four dogs were kept outside on a deck, and one mother with newborn puppies—only hours old—was found in a bathtub.

High ammonia levels made the air inside the home dangerous, requiring rescuers to wear protective equipment.

COURTESY: Animal Rescue Corps

Tragically, two deceased dogs were discovered among the survivors.

Several dogs were rushed to a 24-hour emergency veterinary hospital. The remainder were safely transported to ARC’s Rescue Center in Gallatin, Tenn, where they are now receiving comprehensive medical, physical, and emotional care.

“Many of these animals have been suffering from untreated conditions that are consistent with chronic neglect,” said Tim Woodward, Executive Director of ARC. “Some puppies tested positive for Parvo, an often deadly virus, while others suffered from extreme matting, blindness, skin and ear infections, parasites, dental disease, and more. It’s heartbreaking.”

COURTESY: Animal Rescue Corps

ARC will continue to care for the dogs until they can be placed with trusted partner shelters and rescue groups for adoption. Each animal will receive thorough medical exams, vaccinations, and individualized treatment.

“As a nonprofit, ARC provides these life-saving services free of charge to law enforcement agencies,” Woodward said. “We rely entirely on the generosity of our donors and volunteers. Without them, rescues like this wouldn’t be possible.”

ARC oversaw the safe extraction, medical triage, documentation, and evidence collection for potential cruelty charges in the case.

To donate or volunteer in support of ARC’s mission to end animal suffering, visit: animalrescuecorps.org

ABOUT Animal Rescue Corps:

Since 2010, Animal Rescue Corps (ARC), a national animal protection nonprofit, has provided large-scale animal rescue for communities that lack resources to address abuse In addition to emergency rescue, ARC offers education and shelter relief. ARC’s mission is to end animal suffering through direct and compassionate action and to inspire the highest ethical standards of humanity towards animals. To learn more about Animal Rescue Corps, visit: animalrescuecorps.org

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