Animal Rescue Corps Obtains Surrender of Animals Rescued From Morristown Property

Stream WZTV Fox 17 Newscasts LIVE starting with Fox 17 This Morning at 5am and News at 9pm.LEBANON, Tenn. – Volunteers found 73 dogs and 2 cats abandoned, abused and neglected inside an animal rescue in Morristown. On Valentine’s Day, police responded to a complaint and had no idea they’d be walking into this. Dogs, cats and puppies trapped in their cages and out on the loose. It was so bad police called for help. Volunteers from the Animal Rescue Corps. out of Lebanon and Washington, D.C. have been working through the weekend to save these animals. 2 women, Melissa and Kimberly Turner were arrested. The 2 were overseeing the Puppy Patch animal rescue. They were both arrested on over 60 counts of Animal Cruelty. They’re free on bond while the rescued animals recuperate at the emergency shelter. It’s one of the worst cases the rescue volunteers have seen. Dogs rummaging in their own filth, puppies trapped in their cages. They’re malnourished, helpless and scared.The conditions are inhumane and unbearable. Volunteers raided the home wearing gas masks. They’re skin burned from ammonia and they had to call in hazmat crews. All 73 dogs and 2 cats living there were rescued and taken to an emergency shelter and are under the close care of volunteer veterinarians. Their barking, whimpering and whining, a call for help. These animals have passed viral infections to each other. They have open sores, their fur is matted and some are pregnant.Vets have their work cut out for them, but at this point it looks like they’re all going to survive and eventually be adopted back out. What’s next in this case? As soon as these animals are healthy enough, they’ll be paired up with placement partners and eventually be adopted out all over the country. As for the 2 women, Melissa and Kimberly Turner are due back in court Monday morning for arraignment.Follow us on Twitter @wztv_fox17 and LIKE us on Facebook for updates.

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