"What we found here is horrific," Kathryn Destreza, investigations director for the ASPCA, said in a release. "This facility claimed to be a safe place for animals, but the truth is these dogs were suffering greatly, both physically and emotionally."
>>See photos of the dogs rescued
The dogs, which included chow, pit bull and shepherd mixes, also suffered myriad medical issues including emaciation, dental disease and hair loss, according to the ASPCA.
David Gosselin, the owner of the facility, was charged with misdemeanor animal cruelty, according to WKRN.
Metro Animal Care and Control, in Nashville, had responded multiple times since 2009 for complaints at the facility including that he "routinely failed to provide basic shelter, food, water and veterinary care to the dogs he keeps on his property," according to WKRN.
Gosselin was previously cited for companion animal hoarding by animal control in 2014, according to WKRN. Animal control visited the facility May 9 and found four underweight dogs suffering from hair loss. Officers were back May 23 and June 24, according to WKRN.
The dogs have been taken to a temporary shelter at an undisclosed location where they will get medical exams and behavior assessments.
About the Author