Rescuers remove estimated 244 dogs from Metcalfe County property

By Allyson Dix for Glasgow News 1

METCALFE COUNTY, Ky. (Glasgow News 1) – Over 200 dogs have been removed from a Metcalfe County property following an alleged breeding operation, according to a report Monday by Glasgow News 1.

According to the report, an estimate of 244 dogs were on what animal rescuers described as a “suspected large-scale backyard breeding operation, leaving many animals suffering from severe medical conditions and injuries.”

Glasgow News 1 says Kelly Basham, a director with Guardians of Rescue, a nonprofit based in New York, stated the group began transporting dogs from a single-family home on Breeding Road on July 29, an operation that lasted over the next three days.

Donna Lafever, director at the Metcalfe County Animal Shelter, stated concerns arose near the end of June through a tip provided from out-of-state, the report states.

According to the report, an anonymous caller reported a “suspected hoarding situation ranging between 50 and 75 dogs.”

Lafever then reached out to a canine rescue and advocate for assistance due to the amount of animals involved, the report states.

According to Glasgow News 1, the owners agreed to having 10 dogs removed at a time, providing mange treatment and transferring the animals to a rescue after vaccination.

Glasgow News 1 further states 17 other dogs were later removed from the property.

According to the report, Lafever received contact again on July 25, this time about “100 to 150 dogs” at the same location.

“That’s when I realized that we needed more help,” Lafever said. “That’s when Guardians of Rescue took over.”

“I immediately acted,” Basham with Guardians of Rescue said on July 31. “I’m glad that we did because our agency, over the last three days, has pulled 227 dogs off the single-family residence.”

It is suspected the total number of dogs rescued between Lafever, Guardians of Rescue and another individual reached about 244 before the end of last week, the report states.

According to the report, Basham stated each dog appeared to have an “upper respiratory illness” and mange. In addition, the report says Basham stated some of the animals had eye infections, a puppy had a broken leg and another dog had a “severe laceration around its entire abdomen.”

An additional health concern included a senior dog with “erratic” breathing, according to Basham. Lafever says a Rottweiler was not able to walk due to its crate size, according to the report.

Basham stated the organization is monitoring the property to be sure no other animals are remaining, according to Glasgow News 1.

According to the report, Basham says the dogs were voluntarily surrendered after the property owner was notified authorities “would seek a warrant to seize the animals if they were not relinquished.”

However, Basham said surrendering animals does not avoid possible criminal charges under state law, Glasgow News 1 states.

Basham further states she has worked with law enforcement during this rescue and plans to provide evidence that may support criminal charges, according to the report.

Partners assisting in this rescue included Guardians of Rescue include: Paws of War, KY Hopeful Paws, Fairy Tales, Paws Angels, The Arrow Fund, Woodstock, Rescue Haven, Inc., Adopt A Pit, Furever Brooke Haven, Tails and Trails and Saving Lives, the report states.

If anyone would like to help support the rescued animals and the costs due to care, donations can be gathered through https://guardiansofrescue.org or on the organization’s Amazon wish list.