MCDOWELL COUNTY, WV (LOOTPRESS) – In the midst of a life-threatening blizzard and temperatures plunging to 18 degrees, Animal Rescue Corps (ARC) rescued 14 dogs from severe neglect in McDowell County, West Virginia.
The rescue, dubbed “Operation Deep Freeze,” unfolded as the region braced for a second winter storm.
The dogs were found living outdoors in freezing conditions with little to no shelter.
Bones, presumed to be from other animals, were scattered across the snow-covered ground outside their pens, and wastewater seeped from the home of the property owner.
Many of the pens lacked proper entryways, requiring the ARC team to cut them open to reach the animals.
Local volunteers had provided straw and emergency foster care for the most vulnerable dogs in the days leading up to the rescue.
However, the scale of the situation was too much for the small community to handle.
ARC’s emergency field team traveled icy roads to reach the property and immediately began assessing and extracting the dogs.
“This kind of cruelty didn’t happen overnight,” an ARC statement read. “These animals endured months, if not years, of neglect and suffering.”
The dogs have been transported to ARC’s Rescue Center, where they will receive immediate medical attention and care.
Tails Humane Society in Illinois has committed to accepting some of the dogs into their adoption program, ensuring they find loving homes.
The property owner was arrested and charged with 13 counts of animal cruelty. ARC also collected forensic evidence to support the case and ensure accountability.
With more extreme weather forecasted and freezing temperatures continuing, ARC is asking for donations to support the rescued animals and their ongoing efforts.
Donations can be made at Animal Rescue Corps’ website.
