Blount County Animal Center struggling with space after 35 animals rescued during freeze
Ben Madilynn
BLOUNT COUNTY, Tenn. (WVLT) – Last week, six people were charged in Blount County after nearly three dozen animals were rescued from harmful conditions.
Previous Coverage: Six in Blount County facing charges after 12 dogs, 13 cats rescued during freeze: report
According to a police report, the five people pictured below and Kari Cross were charged with several counts of animal cruelty after responders said they left several dogs tied up or in cages outside while it was 25 degrees outside.
The report said the dogs and cats were left in their own urine and feces with nothing to drink.
The Blount County Animal Center said they ended up taking in 35 animals as a result of the rescue.
In addition to dogs and cats, the shelter also took in ferrets, rats, ducks and a sugar glider. The state also seized two horses from the property.
Officials with the shelter said this severely limits space as the animals can’t be adopted since they are part of a criminal case.
“We’re going to have these animals, these 35, for a long time,” said Ronald Crow, the shelter’s director. “We can’t adopt these animals out. They’re part of a criminal case, so we’re in charge of their care and custody.”
Crow said the shelter has capacity for 50 kennels in the back for large dogs. He said the rescue put them significantly over that number, adding that several animals are double or triple housed just to accommodate them. The dogs and cats also had to be housed in their own area as a precaution in case they have an illness.
To help combat the space issue, Crow said the shelter has reached out to its transport partners, rescues and foster teams to help make room. He also said adoption rates have been reduced.
“We’ve moved [adoption rates] down to $50 for all dogs and $20 for cats just in an effort to move some of these animals out and give us room for this influx,” Crow said.
Crow said the easiest way to help the shelter is to foster or adopt an animal. He said there are about 100 animals available for adoption right now.
Click here for more information on the shelter and photos of animals up for adoption.
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