KNOXVILLE (WATE) - Sixteen dogs rescued in April as part of a case of extreme hoarding in South Knoxville are now ready for adoption, animal center officials announced Thursday.
Officers acting on a tip found 76 dogs on April 29 at the home of a brother and sister, Glenda Marie Cagle, 64, and James Edward Cagle, 67, on Neubert Springs Road.
Officials said 29 of the dogs had to be euthanized because of extreme malnourishment or aggression.
The remaining 47 dogs have been cared for at Young-Williams Animal Center. They've received bathing, grooming, veterinary care and a series of evaluations from local and American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA) animal behaviorists.
"This is a community-wide victory," said Tim Adams, executive director of Young-Williams, in a press release.
"The people of East Tennessee care about these dogs, and with their help, we're doing everything we can to give them every hope of an opportunity for a new life. Without the outpouring of public donations, it would have been difficult or even impossible to give these dogs the level of care we've been able to provide while they call Young-Williams home," Adams added.
Each pet will receive the animal center's standard medical services before going home with its new family.
This includes:
- Spay/neuter surgery
- Vaccinations
- Deworming
- Heartworm testing (adult dogs)
- Heartworm prevention
- A microchip registered to the adopter
- Flea prevention
Each person or family who adopts these dogs also will receive information about possible negative behaviors the pets may exhibit.
Officials said it's based on studies of puppy mill survivors, and can help families identify warning signs of unwanted behavioral issues.
Adams said officials "are confident that many of these dogs will make wonderful pets. However, we're taking every precaution to make sure that the public knows that the dangers of hoarding situations, on both the animals' health and temperament, should not be taken lightly."
The dogs do have some birth defects because of in-breeding. Some have an underbite and several have extra toes and claws. They are all anemic and will need iron supplements, which the animal center will provide.
"These dogs have been given a second chance. We want to arm their owners with information to ensure that they have a happy ending," Adams added.
The remaining 31 dogs will be moved to the adoption floor when they are socialized and ready to enter a new family. Some may be sent to other facilities who can better provide the socialization skills they need.
This is one of the dogs. (source: Young-Williams Animal Center)
