SPARTA, Tenn.- Police in White County said 67 animals were rescued from a property in Sparta.
Crews with the White County Sheriff's Office and the Animal Rescue Corps assisted in removing the animals Monday. Officials said this was one of the largest animal cruelty cases ever addressed in White County.
Police said a variety of animals were removed from the property including 24 chickens, 12 rabbits, 12 dogs, seven cats, six ducks, three Musk turtles, one goose, one goat, and one donkey.
"These animals were in desperate need of immediate help so the team didn't hesitate to jump on board for what we're calling Operation Freedom Part Two," said ARC President Scotlund Haisley. "We're honored to partner with the White County Sheriff's Office to provide them and these animals our expertise and resources. It's thanks to our dedicated supporters that we are able to say yes to these emergency requests."
Volunteers said they thought the owner just had more animals on the property then he could handle. The owner accepted any animals that others could not care for.
"If someone had an animal that they just couldn't take care of you just come up, give them a donation and he would take care of it," said Heather Robertson, a Nashville Zoo Veterinarian who spent her day helping the rescued animals.
Officials said most of the animals were underweight, suffering from external parasites and were found living in conditions that were hazardous to their physical health.
All the animals were removed from the property and taken to an emergency shelter at the Fairgrounds in Nashville.
