Animal Rescue Corps Saves 42 Cats From Squalid Conditions In Milan

Milan, Tennessee – In a harrowing rescue operation, Animal Rescue Corps (ARC), a prominent national animal protection organization, assisted the Milan Police Department in rescuing 42 cats from appalling living conditions. The cats were discovered in a residence where three men were living without basic utilities such as running water and electricity.

Upon arrival, rescuers encountered a scene of severe neglect. The house was saturated with high ammonia levels, extensive debris, and buckets filled with human waste. The property was overrun with thousands of cockroaches, spiders, and black mold that had infested the once-ceilinged space. Each of the three men residing there has been charged with animal cruelty.

Initial investigations by law enforcement revealed the remains of at least one deceased animal. The rescued cats exhibited severe signs of neglect, including eye injuries, fur loss, parasites, and respiratory issues, compounded by malnutrition and dehydration. The ARC team employed infrared cameras to locate the cats, who had taken refuge in the walls, ceiling, and floors, and had to cut into these areas to reach them.

“Without the support of our donors and volunteers, we could not undertake these critical rescue operations,” said Tim Woodward, Executive Director of ARC. “Everyone can contribute to these efforts by donating, volunteering, or sharing our work on social media.”

This operation marks the third such intervention by ARC in West Tennessee this year. In May, the organization rescued 52 animals from two properties in Gleason, Tenn., responding to similar distress calls from local law enforcement.

The 42 cats have been transported to ARC’s Rescue Center in Gallatin, Tennessee, where they will undergo comprehensive veterinary examinations, vaccinations, and medical treatments. Following this, they will be transferred to partner shelters and rescue organizations for adoption into caring homes. This rescue operation, named Operation Hide and Seek, underscores ARC’s commitment to addressing severe animal cruelty cases and improving the lives of neglected animals across rural communities.