WEST VIRGINIA — Fourteen dogs have been rescued from severe neglect and life-threatening conditions in McDowell County, West Virginia, as a brutal blizzard swept through the region.
Animal Rescue Corps (ARC) led the rescue effort, dubbed “Operation Deep Freeze,” after responding to reports of animal cruelty on the property.
When ARC’s field team arrived, temperatures had dropped to 18 degrees, and most of the dogs were living outdoors without adequate shelter.
Bones, believed to be from other animals, littered the snow-covered ground outside the pens.
The team also encountered wastewater seeping from the property owner’s home. Many of the pens lacked gates, forcing rescuers to cut them open to reach the dogs.
“This was a case of prolonged neglect, compounded by the extreme weather,” an ARC representative said.
Before the rescue, local volunteers provided straw and temporarily fostered the most vulnerable dogs, but the community lacked resources to save all the animals.
With another storm approaching and freezing temperatures persisting, ARC acted quickly to remove the dogs from harm’s way.
The rescued dogs were transported to ARC’s Rescue Center for immediate medical care.
Tails Humane Society in Illinois has agreed to accept some of the animals into its adoption program to help them find permanent homes.
The property owner was arrested on 13 counts of animal cruelty. ARC also gathered forensic evidence to assist law enforcement with the case.
“These dogs endured unimaginable suffering, but now they have a chance at a new life,” ARC stated.
ARC is seeking donations to support the care of these animals and others in need. Donations can be made at ARC’swebsite.
