MCMINNVILLE, Tenn. (WDEF) – The Grundy County authorities are asking for the community’s help after a disturbing case of neglect.
Dozens of animals were found living in poor conditions, and investigators recently confirmed that children were also residing on the property.
The Grundy County Sheriff’s Office has been working on the animal cruelty case, which has led to the arrest of two individuals, Zachariah Nunley and Vera Nunley.
Detective Avery McGinness with the Grundy County Sheriff’s Office described the scene as heartbreaking.
“They were found in a filthy state, covered in feces along with their own urine. They were stacked on top of each other, kennel to kennel, and inside the home. At some point, the urine was overflowing into the kennels below them.”
Authorities say the owners had roughly 40 dogs, a pig, and several cats, all found in severely malnourished condition.
“If I have to be here an extra day for people to come get the animals, I’ll be here tomorrow and Monday until somebody can come get them. We just want them out of here as quickly as possible,” McGinness said, noting the urgency to get the animals to safety.
Many of the animals have been taken to shelters across Tennessee.
However, several are still waiting for placement.
Investigators later confirmed that children were living in the unfit conditions as well.
Law enforcement has worked on this rescue nonstop, saying that not only were dogs trapped inside and on the property, but children were too.
Authorities cannot release the identities or ages of the children at this time.
“Two people were arrested on child neglect charges and animal cruelty charges. The case was severe enough that we contacted DCS as part of a joint investigation,” McGinness said.
Multiple charges have been filed against the suspects, including child abuse or neglect (non-violent) and cruelty to animals.
“This is not how anyone should live, especially when children are involved. It will get you arrested, it will get your kids taken away, and you will face a long time in court,” McGinness warned.
Many of the dogs will be housed and treated for their medical needs.
The Redemption Underdog Freedom Fund, also known as RUFF Rescue and based in Coffee County, Tennessee, is one of the organizations assisting in the rescue.
It is operated by Samantha Szelich.
The Grundy County Sheriff’s Office later shared an update on social media, thanking the community, rescues, and first responders who took part in the operation.
They wrote that the response from across Tennessee and surrounding states was overwhelming.
“All animals were given a home or foster, other than approximately six that we cannot catch. We are working on resources for these to be captured tomorrow. Unfortunately, some of these animals passed away overnight and into the day due to their conditions. Thank you to all individuals who adopted, became fosters, or assisted in rescues. We appreciate Easy’s Dog Shelter, MARC, Beersheba Springs Fire Department, Altamont Fire Department, Sierra with TEMA, Coffee County Humane Society, Nashville Humane Society, Ruff Rescue, Constable Collins, our patrol deputies, and many others who may have been missed. A huge thank you to Dr. Alana Terrell with Signal Mountain Veterinary Clinic and Dr. Michelle Shelton with Parkview Animal Wellness in Scottsboro, Alabama, for bringing medicine, caring for these animals the best they could, and placing the most in need into medical care.”
Those interested in fostering or adopting one of the rescued animals, or donating toward their recovery, can find more information through RUFF Rescue.
