Sheriff’s Department: 31 dogs seized in Greene County animal cruelty case

GREENE COUNTY, Tenn. (WJHL) — More than 30 dogs were seized from a home in Greene County following an animal cruelty investigation on Saturday.

The Greene County Sheriff’s Department (GCSD) reports deputies responded to a home in the 1500 block of Parton Loop for a welfare check just before 6 p.m.

A previous complaint stated there were dozens of dogs not being cared for at the residence and the caller thought the owner was possibly dead.

Upon arrival, deputies found multiple dogs and the house in disarray, according to a GCSD report. Due to no one answering the door, deputies and animal control entered the home through a cracked sliding glass door.

While in the home, deputies reported the house was unlivable and dog feces were all over the house.

Although the house had a window AC unit and a fan blowing, the inside temperature was hot, the report stated. Deputies noted there were no water or food bowls inside the home.

The sheriff’s department confirmed that 31 dogs were taken by animal control but will be transferred to the Greeneville/Greene County Humane Society.

Janet Medcalf, shelter manager at the Humane Society, said they are already at max capacity but will do everything possible to find these dogs a new home.

“We already have 30 dogs and we have 16 kennels, so we’re already way over capacity,” Medcalf said. “All these dogs will have to be in outside kennels, which we try to avoid, but we’re going to make them as comfortable as possible.”

Medcalf and her staff came by animal control on Monday to give the dogs medications and their vaccines.

“We’re giving them the first parvo distemper vaccine and something to treat the fleas and we’re giving them a de-wormer,” Medcalf said.

The dogs will be transferred to the Humane Society on Tuesday. Medcalf told News Channel 11 that they are looking for donations to help care for these dogs. They are asking for sheets, towels, blankets and especially canned puppy food.

Polly Ayers was arrested and charged with animal cruelty by animal control.

Animal control reportedly took all but two dogs, which were taken by family members. Code enforcement condemned the home, the sheriff’s department reported.

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