GRUETLI-LAAGER, Tenn. (WTVF) — More than 200 dogs were rescued from a breeding and hoarding operation in Grundy County.
Grundy County Sheriff Clint Shrum said Margaret Allanson was arrested and she could be facing up to 211 charges. According to the sheriff, around 100 skulls and 7 carcasses were discovered on the Gruetli-Laager property. He said at one point some of the dogs were posted online for sale. The home was in bad condition too.
Crystal Parman said, "God knows what other animals were on that property at some point."
Parman is with with Paws Angels Dog Rescue. They’re facilitating foster families for 15 of the dogs, 2 of which might be pregnant. "With the socialization and as timid as they are, I’d like to keep them in pairs, so we’re looking at least 5 or 6 fosters," Parman said. There's more than a dozen animal rescue groups helping out with the case. They include:
-Guardians of Rescue, donation link
-All Dogs Come from Heaven
-Tame & Wildthings Rescue & Rehabilitation Center
-Canine Collective
-Caring About Treasured Strays
-Dogs in Harmony
-Lifehouse Animal Refuge and Rehabilitation
-TCB Kennels Boarding & Rescue
-All Herding Breed Dog Rescue of Illinois
-Paws Angels Dog Rescue
-Last Chance Pet Rescue, Inc
-KY Hopeful Paws Rescue
-Tails and Trails Rescue
-Dogs On Borrowed Time (they assisted with catching dogs but did not take any)
The sheriff said Margaret Allanson was arrested for aggravated animal cruelty, and more charges are pending. Some of the dogs on the property are still running wild and advocates are trying to catch them as there's not an animal control in Grundy County. "I think a hundred dogs were removed in like 2014 and then again I think in 2012,"Parman said.
For rescuers like Crystal, this is disheartening because they've been advocating for stricter animal abuse penalties. "It’s a never ending battle. With our laws not stopping this, with a slap on the hand, they just go right back to doing it," Parman said.
For now, rescuers are turning their efforts to helping the dogs recover, and they're hoping the community will be able to help too. "Blankets around your home that you’re no longer using, those things help, these guys will definitely need supplies and funding for vetting and of course eventually good homes," Parman said.
Crystal said you can send payment to her on Venmo or call Cascade Veterinary Hospital at 931-389-0449 directly to donate towards the Paws Angels Dog Rescue account.
