Animal Rescue Could Be Country's Largest

Humane Society Expects To Be In Area For Next Few Days

Reported by Deanna Lambert

POSTED: 5:27 pm CDT June 26, 2008

UPDATED: 10:33 am CDT June 27, 2008

LYLES, Tenn. -- The rescue of about 700 animals at a Hickman County farm continued on Thursday, and the operation prompted a slew of volunteers.

Video: Rescue Of Hundreds Of Animals Becomes Big Effort

Officials and volunteers on Wednesday began removing hundreds of dogs and other animals from what the Humane Society called a puppy mill in Lyles.

Late Thursday, all of the animals were in the process of being transported to a makeshift shelter.

Earlier on Thursday, Patricia Adkisson, whom police said owned the land and operated Pine Bluff Kennels, surrendered all the animals to the district attorney who transferred the animals to the Humane Society.

Adkisson has not been charged with any crimes.

Officials said the rescue was the largest ever in Tennessee and could be the largest in U.S. history.

"Most of the animals were in rabbit hutches. Two or three to a hutch, way too small for the number of animals," said veterinarian Dr. Louis Lembo.

Lembo, a Columbia vet, said he has been examining the rescued animals for the last two days.

"The biggest thing we got right now is with it being 90 degrees outside, those dogs are really in danger from heat stroke," he said.

The animals had been living in similar conditions for the last few years.

"It's dark and it’s grim. It’s amongst the worst. What an honor it is to have the ability to open our arms of compassion and make these animals the promise that their suffering has ended," said one rescuer.

Volunteers from different agencies were in the process of bringing all the animals to the makeshift shelter.

The Humane Society said it plans to be in the area for the next several days. A forensic veterinarian that has been working at the property said she found more deceased animals on Thursday.

Currently, Hickman County has no animal control service due to lack of funds.

Sheriff James Randal Ward said the county needs an animal service so people will stop using the county as a dumping ground for strays.

"We’re needing animal control, because it falls back on the sheriff’s department. We don’t have the resources or the manpower to handle our calls, which we probably acquire, I'd say, nearly 1,000 calls a month on animals," he said.

The animals will not be ready to adopt until they are properly vaccinated and spayed or neutered, which could be as early as next week.

If resident would like to do something to help now, the Humane Society needs supplies like straw, animal food and paper towels as well as any veterinarian who can volunteer their time to help treat the animals.
Supplies can be dropped off at the Hickman County Sheriff's Office at 108 College Ave. in Centerville. Residents can also contact the Hickman County Humane Society at 1-866-304-3352.