Animal Rescue Corps saves 18 dogs from rural Missouri property amid cold weather
FOX23 News at 9 p.m.
DONIPHAN, Mo., (KBSI) — The Animal Rescue Corps rescued 18 dogs and puppies from a rural property in southeast Missouri after residents requested help amid cold weather conditions.
The rescue took place Friday, Jan. 19. ARC officials said the situation was not a criminal case. The residents contacted the organization after the number of dogs on the property grew beyond what they could manage.
“The people living on the property recognized that the number of dogs had grown beyond what they could manage and that they could no longer properly care for the animals,” said Tim Woodward, executive director of Animal Rescue Corps. He said the residents also agreed to have their personal dogs spayed or neutered at ARC’s expense.
The effort, called Operation Unchained Dream, began Thursday night when an ARC team traveled to the area and met with local rescuers Friday morning. The dogs were transported later that day to ARC’s rescue shelter near Nashville, Tennessee, for evaluation and care.
Responders found several adult dogs secured by chains and multiple litters of puppies roaming freely on the property. While some makeshift shelter was present, freezing temperatures raised concerns for the animals’ safety. One of the rescued dogs was underweight and heavily pregnant, officials said.
“Without intervention, the situation would have quickly escalated,” Woodward said. “We’re grateful the residents reached out, ensuring these dogs receive the food, shelter and medical care they need.”
ARC officials said the rescue highlights ongoing challenges facing animal shelters nationwide. According to Shelter Animals Count, about 5.8 million dogs and cats entered U.S. shelters and rescues in 2024, with many facilities reporting overcrowding due to lower adoption rates.
ARC houses rescued animals at its own facility, which officials said helps prevent large-scale rescues from overwhelming local shelters and allows communities to preserve resources for other animals in need.
More information about Animal Rescue Corps and how to support its rescue efforts is available through the Animal Rescue Corps – Animal Rescue Corps.
