Gallatin, Tennessee – The Animal Rescue Corps (ARC), a Tennessee-based national animal protection non-profit, recently undertook a significant rescue operation in West Virginia. Dubbed Operation Mountain Misery, this mission involved saving 21 dogs from dire conditions on a rural hillside property in McDowell County, one of the most impoverished counties in the state.
The situation unfolded as an elderly woman, who owned the dogs, passed away, leaving her son to address not only his mother’s estate but also the care of numerous unspayed and unneutered dogs. Michael Cunningham, ARC’s Public Information Officer, described the challenging scenario: “It was an elderly woman and she ended up with a great number of animals, and they were breeding uncontrollably because none of them had been spayed or neutered, and then she passed away. Her son was left with not only addressing the estate of his mother, but you know all of these dogs.”
The son, struggling to find assistance in an area with no animal control services, eventually connected with ARC. Despite typically dealing with animals involved in criminal cruelty cases, ARC was able to step in and help, thanks to a lull in other cases. “The timing on this just so happened to be good for us. And this guy is trying to do the right thing. He doesn’t have any options in his community,” Cunningham explained.
Upon their arrival, ARC responders discovered fourteen large dogs roaming freely in overgrown woods and on a steep hillside. Additionally, they found seven four-week-old puppies sheltering under a dilapidated back porch. Cunningham detailed the dogs’ poor living conditions, noting that they had been roaming the woods without proper care for years. Several of the dogs were suffering from medical conditions typical of neglect, such as flea and tick infestations and worm infections.
As part of their rescue efforts, ARC will ensure that each dog receives a thorough veterinary exam. This will include vaccinations and any other necessary medical treatments to address their health issues. Once they are healthy and rehabilitated, these dogs will be placed with trusted shelter and rescue partner organizations. There, they will have the chance to be adopted into loving homes, finally receiving the care and affection they deserve.
This operation not only highlights the plight of neglected animals but also underscores the vital role of organizations like ARC in animal welfare. For those inspired by this story and wishing to contribute, ARC welcomes donations and volunteers. To support their cause, visit animalrescuecorps.org.
