Marcie Uchytil
Thomas UchytilCROSSVILLE, Tenn. – On Tuesday, the Humane Society of the United States was called in to help rescue 33 dogs that were allegedly being kept in poor conditions at a home in Crossville.
After receiving a complaint, the Cumberland County Sheriff's Department and Cumberland County Animal Control went to the home. They found 14 large and medium mix-breed dogs that were chained to trees around the property without adequate shelter. They also discovered 19 Chihuahuas in small crates inside a shed without ventilation, running water, or electricity.
The Humane Society said some of the dogs were very thin, and others have severe skin conditions, infections, and other medical conditions such as tick-borne disease.
"It was just
too many dogs for these people to handle," said Leighann McCollum with the
Humane Society of the U.S. "This was a situation where it appeared they were trying to feed their
animals. They simply just didn't have the financial resources to care for the
number of animals that they had."
The owners of the dogs surrendered all but one. The couple, identified as Thomas and Marcie Uchytil, will be charged with animal cruelty.
They will be placed up for adoption after being evaluated and treated for any medical needs.
The dogs rescued from a home in Crossville will be taken to several different shelters across the mid-state. Those shelters include: Happy Tales Humane, McKamey Animal Care and Adoption Center, A.A.R.F. (All About Rescue and Fixin' Inc.), and Nashville Humane Association. For more information about adopting the dogs please contact the individual shelter.
