70 Dogs Rescued in Anderson County Hoarding Case, Shelter Overwhelmed

Anderson County Shelter Strained by Large-Scale Hoarding Case

Anderson County, Tennessee is grappling with a significant animal welfare crisis after nearly 70 dogs were removed from a single property following the death of their owner. The Anderson County Animal Shelter, already operating with limited resources, is now in “triage mode” as staff work to provide care for the influx of animals and find them suitable homes.

The situation began unfolding on March 12, when the family of the deceased owner surrendered the dogs to the shelter. Shelter Director Damon McKenna described the scene at the home as challenging, with animals found not only throughout the house but also concealed within furniture and walls. Over several days, staff removed 15 to 16 dogs on the first night, a similar number the next, and an additional 30 on the third. One final dog was expected to be collected this week, bringing the total to nearly 70.

The shelter, equipped with only 12 kennels, is severely over capacity. McKenna emphasized the strain on the facility’s resources, including its medical budget, food supplies, and vaccines. “It’s been a very stressful week for everybody,” he said. The case is also impacting the shelter’s partnerships with rescue organizations, who are being called upon to assist in rehoming the animals.

While the situation is dire, McKenna noted that the community has responded with support. Rescue groups from across the region and even out of state – including Slumdog Rescue Group, MoCo Mutz, Jefferson County Humane Society, Sevier County Humane Society, 865 Rescue and Rehome, and Knox Vintage – have offered assistance. The shelter is currently accepting donations of Purina dog food and Purina puppy chow, as well as monetary contributions.

This incident highlights a growing trend in the area, according to McKenna. “It’s sad for the dogs, sad for the family,” he stated. “But we’re seeing more and more of this kind of situation in our area. And we’re not the only ones. The surrounding counties are seeing the same thing. It’s an epidemic where we’re afraid that a lot of situations in animal welfare are backsliding.” Notably, no criminal charges have been filed in this case, as the owner had passed away and the family voluntarily surrendered the animals.

Looking ahead, the Anderson County Animal Shelter is anticipating relief with the construction of a new facility. Ground was broken on the project recently, and completion is expected within a year. The new shelter will be more than three times the size of the current building and will include a community room for volunteers, a dedicated cat showcase area, and quarantine spaces for disease control. McKenna believes the new facility will be a significant asset, not only for the county but for the wider region’s animal welfare network, calling it “a launch pad for this whole area.”

For now, shelter staff are requesting patience and continued support as they work to provide veterinary care, find placements, and ultimately secure better lives for the rescued dogs.