WESTMORELAND, Tenn. (WKRN) – Macon County Animal Control officers removed 17 dogs, one cat, and one snake from a home in Westmoreland, Tennessee.
Officers spent hours at the home Thursday confiscating the animals. News 2 got exclusive video of the seizure.
According to court documents, the animals were malnourished, covered in fleas, and some suffered from infections.
The court documents said “a vet came to examine all animals. All animals have intestinal parasites.”
Animal Control Officer Corey Lawrence said one of the dogs has a broken leg which will need to be amputated because it wasn’t taken care of when the injury first happened.
Michael Tracy and his wife Paula have been charged with 17 counts each of cruelty to animals.
Officer Lawrence said the cruelty to animals investigation started last week after News 2 called Macon County Animal Control.
“I received a call from News 2 actually the other day,” said Lawrence. News 2 contacted the officer after speaking with a local animal advocate group.
Tiffany Carr sent News 2 photos she took as she was driving by the house last week after one dog in particular caught her attention.
“It looked like a bag of bones just lying there; it looked like he was on the verge of death. It was horrible,” said Carr. She took pictures of that dog.
“I was just like, ‘Oh my God, bless his heart,’” she said. “There’s trash everywhere, dogs everywhere, dogs coming out from under the house, dogs coming out of everywhere. I was like ‘Oh my God, how many animals do you have?’” she continued.
According to Officer Lawrence, there were in fact dogs everywhere. He said some were chained, others were wandering around. He also said there were no sign of food or water.
“It’s heart-wrenching because they don’t deserve that,” said Carr.
Officer Lawrence said all the animals are now up for adoption.
To adopt the dogs or cat, call Officer Lawrence at 615-388-8956.
According to the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation, Michael Tracy has a long criminal history, including prior sexual battery and domestic assault charges.