LEBANON, Tenn. -- Dozens of dogs found left alone are in worse shape than first reported. Since Channel 4’s first story on the dogs, two more dogs have been found dead, to raise the total to four. Several dog skulls were also found on the property.

VIDEO: Deserted Dogs Seized By Animal Control

But officials said people are taking action.

Nineteen dogs have been rescued so far, and volunteers said more are to come.

Humane Society of Wilson County volunteers loaded some of the dogs on Thursday.

The property’s owner, Vivian Mims, gave up her rights to the border collies after neighbors found them with no food, no water

Mims moved away five years ago after her house burned. She told the Humane Society she was feeding the dogs late at night because she works the night shift. But as the number of dogs increased, the situation grew out of hand.

“She’s just having a hard time. We want to try to help the dogs, help her and take of the situation,” said Sara Felmlee of the Humane Society of Wilson County.

There are no animal cruelty investigators in Wilson County to handle the case. County Mayor Robert Dedman said he hopes that will change.

“We could handle a lot more if we get the law changed,” he said.

The dogs will be kept at the Wilson County Animal Shelter until a good home is found for them.

“They’re going to need some special care because some of the puppies are not very social,” said one volunteer.

Mims was cited on charges of animal cruelty and of letting her dogs roam free.

Volunteers said giving up the dogs was hard for Mims. She will be allowed to keep one dog.

The dogs will be available for adoption after they have been checked out and spayed or neutered.

For those residents interested in adopting one of these dogs, please call the Humane Society of Wilson County at 615-444-1144.