On January 26th a search warrant was executed and arrest was made at a home on 106 Vantrease Road in Smith County. Kenneth Connell and Suzie Nevils were charged with multiple counts of aggravated animal cruelty and neglect. Connell has been released on bond and Nevils remains at the Smith County Jail Facility with a $15,000 bond.
Smith County Humane assisted the Smith County Sheriff’s Department with the removal and care of 46 dogs and puppies and one rabbit after a search warrant was executed and Connell was arrested.
During the search of the property, dogs were found to be in desperate conditions in the residence, in metal pens and connected to a metal axle with heavy log chains. None of the dogs had food. The water that was available was frozen. The dogs were in various states of neglect, malnourished and even to the point of starvation. 10 bodies of deceased dogs were also discovered.
Volunteers from the Smith County Humane Association, Maury County Animal Control and Guardians of Rescue worked together to assess the conditions of each animal, take photographs and video of the conditions and transport the animals to safe shelter.
The animals are being sheltered by the Smith County Humane Association in a privately owned facility that is being donated for the purpose of sheltering these animals temporarily. The efforts are being called “Operation Worthy”. Smith County Humane receives no financial assistance from the county government for the services provided to the animals or the community. They depend on small grants and donations from individuals and businesses.
Smith County Humane works closely with other agencies such as Waggin Tails, Maury County Animal Control, Guardians of Rescue, New Leash on Life, TN SPCA, and For Pets Sake Rescue. Their goal is to find a more permanent shelter not only for the dogs involved in this situation, but for the continued need of animals requiring rescue and shelter in Smith County.
The organization has reached out on Facebook for donations and volunteers as they anticipate expenses to mount with 24 hour care needed for these rescues. https://www.facebook.com/smithcountyhumanetn/
They have also expressed much gratitude to Smith County Animal Clinic for all the help and time spent assisting with the care for the dogs involved in this cruelty and neglect case. Dr Lindsey Dixon (SCAC), techs and Dr Cooper (Joy Clinic) traveled to the emergency shelter to process every one of the dogs giving each a basic exam to determine who needed immediate care and who needed further examination. Dr Baker and techs returned to the site to assist with further testing.
Some items that can be donated include – sheets, old bath rugs or rugs in usable condition, towels, blankets, Clorox wipes, zip ties, a few XL crates, and heavy duty XL carriers, baby wipes, propane patio heaters and propane tanks to help with heating the emergency shelter space for heat (no electric heaters needed at this time) dog safe heating pads (igloo floor heating pads), dog beds, paper towels, 40 gallon trash bags, RESCUE cleaner, Kongs, heavy duty tarps (large size), laundry detergent (tide with bleach), Kongs, peanut butter, dog bones and treats, latex gloves, hang on crate metal water buckets, empty gallon water jugs for water or gallon waters, large Rubbermaid totes with lids and 13 gallon trash bags.
Donations for volunteers would also be appreciated including soda or other drinks, hot cocoa or coffee pods for a keurig, sugar, splenda, creamer, styrofoam cups and snack items.
Donated Items can be dropped off at
1. Sheila’s Flowers In Carthage TN during business hours
2. Smith County Animal Clinic – Carthage Tn during business hours.
Monetary donations can be mailed to Smith County Humane PO BOX 74 Carthage TN 37030 or received online at www.SmithCountyTnHumane.com/support
