Shelters and rescues seek families after Bledsoe County animal hoarding case
BLEDSOE, Tenn. (WDEF) – Recently, News 12 was on the scene of a severe animal hoarding case in Bledsoe County.
Since then, nearly 100 animals have been rescued.
According to the Bledsoe County Sheriff’s Office, Caroline Atkins was arrested and charged with abuse of a vulnerable person and aggravated animal cruelty.
As the investigation continues, those shelters and rescues are now asking the community for help.
The rescued animals have been transported to various shelters and rescues throughout the area, where they are receiving care while waiting to be adopted.
Heather Keep, founder of Ava Animals Rescue and Sanctuary, said the conditions were heartbreaking.
“Well, I mean, the first thing that entered my mind when I entered the scene was just kind of the clutter, the smell, everything. Then, as these animals were being brought out one by one, Stella, for instance, the doodle that we got that was completely matted, just seeing how uncomfortable she was coming out, but also how much energy she had being let free from that chain for the first time in who knows how long.”
Many of the rescued animals now require rehabilitation and need families who can provide patience, consistency, and plenty of love.
Keep explained that some of the animals are still coping with the trauma they endured.
“We had one that is exhibiting food aggression. She probably had food insecurity. We have one that is very emotionally shut down. He only spins in circles. You can take the leash off, and he only spins in circles. He self-soothes by going in circles nonstop. These dogs need time. They need human interaction and time. If you are a busy family who is constantly on the go, it might not be the right fit for these particular animals.”
Keep encourages anyone interested in adopting one of the rescued animals to be physically and emotionally prepared for the commitment.
“Time, energy, and love above anything else, and people who are willing to stick with them. They’ve already been failed by humans once. We just want to see them land in homes that are never going to give up on them again and can give them absolutely everything they possibly need.”
The rescues say that while many of these animals have a long road to recovery, with patience and compassion, they can become loving companions and finally experience the safe, caring homes they deserve.
