The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA) continues their life-saving work, this time assisting in the rescue of 41 dogs from a self-described “no-kill” dog rescue just eight miles outside of Nashville, Tennessee.
At the request of Metro Animal Care and Control, the ASPCA arrived on Tuesday at Happy Endings Animal Rescue, which had been in operation for 19 years. Also working with the ASPCA was the Nashville Police Department, who executed a warrant for the removal of the dogs.
The dogs rescued ranged from Pit Bull, Chow Chow and German Shepherd mixes among others, many of whom look to be senior dogs from photos released by the ASPCA.
The ASPCA relayed that in just one room where inches of feces covered the floor, 22 dogs were found. Many of the dogs rescued suffered from medical issues such as “emaciation, dental disease and severe hair loss.” Some dogs had no access to food and water and there were also dogs who were not spayed or neutered.
Kathryn Destreza, the Investigations Director for the ASPCA Field Investigations and Response team, stated:
What we found here is horrific. This facility claimed to be a safe place for animals, but the truth is these dogs were suffering greatly, both physically and emotionally.
Although the ASPCA stated that it is “likely that many of these innocent animals have never experienced the quality of life they deserve,” they are now safe. After rescue, the ASPCA transported the 41 dogs to a temporary shelter at an undisclosed location. There the dogs are receiving attention, both medical and emotional.
As for David Gosselin, the owner of Happy Endings Animal Rescue, he has been arrested on animal cruelty charges.
Speaking to WSMV, Jamichael Alexander, who lives across the street from Happy Endings Animal Rescue, stated that abuse of these dogs had been occurring for quite some time.
You can hear it every night, beating dogs, this in the middle of the night. You shouldn’t be woken up at your house from dogs crying.
Alexander also said that the dogs would bark when he would walk down the street, only stopping because Gosselin would beat them.
[Gosselin] told them to shut up and they kept barking. He got upset and grabbed one by the neck and ran them together, went to get a paddle and kept beating them.
The rescue of these 41 was made possible due to “numerous complaints” against Happy Endings Animal Rescue. As BarkPost has previously reported, there can be grave consequences when those who suspect or witness animal cruelty do not report it. The rescue of these dogs is a testament to the power of people speaking up and taking action against animal cruelty.
To help the ASPCA care for these 41 dogs as well as continue their ever-important life-saving missions, you may donate by clicking here.
If you witness animal cruelty or abuse in progress, immediately call 911. If you suspect or witness abuse otherwise, you can call your local animal control, shelter, or facility.
Featured image via ASPCA
H/t ASPCA
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