Rescue group provides update on dogs removed from Metcalfe County property
METCALFE COUNTY, Ky. – Nearly one month after more than 200 dogs were removed from a Metcalfe County property, many of them are now showing major signs of recovery.
The physical changes are hard to miss. Dogs that were underweight are gaining weight. Hair is growing back.
Kelly Basham, the director of the operations and investigations department for Guardians of Rescue, says the animals are now free of internal and external parasites. However, she says the biggest difference may be in their demeanor.
Basham says, “You know, their tails are wagging, they’re running around. They’re just, they’re just happy dogs. Um, you know, and it makes what we do so rewarding to see the the major changes.”
Still, recovery looks different for every dog.
Basham says one dog needed emergency surgery after being found with wire wrapped around its torso. That dog is recovering well and is expected to make a full recovery.
A Rottweiler faces more significant medical issues. Another dog may need to have a lung removed. And for some, healing goes beyond the physical.
Basham says, “They have to basically learn to be a dog. Um, but, you know, and it takes time, and luckily, we have some great, amazing fosters, amazing rescue partners that, you know, they’re gonna give them the time that they need.”
The case is also moving forward.
The Kentucky State Police has charged 34-year-old Michael York and 36-year-old Natasha York, both of Edmonton, with second-degree cruelty to animals.
Basham says she provided investigators with documentation, photographs and medical evidence involving the dogs.
For her, the charges mark an important step toward accountability.
Basham says, “We told them that it’s important for people that do these things to be held accountable because if not, it becomes a repeating occurrence. You know, they’re just gonna keep doing it. Very, very happy with the outcome.”
Basham says the work doesn’t stop with this case.
If someone sees or knows of animals living in similar conditions, she wants them to reach out. Her team will investigate and work with law enforcement.
