Tennessee: Carolyn Irby (aka Caroline Irby), 64, subjected nearly 100 animals to horrific conditions. Wheelbarrow full of dead dogs covered in maggots found behind barn

TENNESSEE -- Animal Rescue Corps (ARC) assisted the Coffee County Sheriff's Office in the rescue of approximately 90 adult dogs and puppies and seven cats found living in extremely neglectful conditions at a home in Manchester, TN, about 20-minutes away from Murfreesboro, TN.

 

The animals were surrendered by the property owner, Carolyn Irby (aka Caroline Ann Irby, Carolyn Ann Irby), 64.

Dogs of a variety of breeds, including Golden Retrievers, Shih Tzus, Yorkshire Terriers, Border Collies, Poodles, and Great Pyrenees, were found emaciated, living in complete darkness, several inches deep in their own feces, soaked in urine, in dangerously high levels of ammonia.

  

  

Dogs were found in a garage in plastic and wire crates that were rusted shut and covered in cobwebs, in a barn in makeshift, pressed wood stalls with no windows, and locked in rooms of the house, surrounded by garbage and trashed belongings. 

The dogs themselves were so filthy and matted that some of their breeds were not immediately identifiable and some were matted to their cages by their own excrement. 

 

Animals were found in critical condition and rushed off the property to a veterinary hospital for emergency care.

 A wheelbarrow full of 10 deceased dogs covered in maggots was found on the property.

Dead dogs covered in maggots are catalogued by ARC

"The conditions we found these animals living in were beyond inhumane," said ARC President Scotlund Haisley. "The ARC team was on an operation in another state this past week but we didn't hesitate to deploy resources when we saw the pictures of this property. My team drove through the night so these animals didn't have to suffer any longer than they already have."

  

  

 

 

ARC received an emergency call for assistance from the Coffee County Sheriff's Office yesterday evening. The agency had received a complaint earlier on Saturday and responded to the property, where they found numerous violations of county and state animal cruelty codes.

"It was immediately obvious that we were going to need assistance in removing this large number of animals and getting them to safety as quickly as possible," said Coffee County Sheriff's Office Sergeant Danny Ferrell. "Animal Rescue Corps was the only organization who could help us both document the scene and safely remove the animals and they were on the ground in less than 12 hours."

The suspect, Caroline Irby, reportedly once worked with a veterinary clinic in Manchester.

"She was a very dedicated employee, beloved by her clients, active in the Humane Society for years," Dr. Jeff Keele said. "One of the best employees you could ask for."

ARC safely removed the animals from the property and transported them to an emergency shelter set up by ARC for this rescue, dubbed Operation Midnight Run. Each animal will receive a thorough veterinary exam, appropriate vaccinations, and any necessary medical treatment. ARC will provide daily care until the dogs are placed with approved shelter and rescue organizations around the country that will ultimately adopt them into loving homes.

 

Animal Rescue Corps performed Operation Midnight Run in conjunction with the Coffee County Sheriff's Office. American Dog Rescue and Bissell Pet Foundation provided critical financial resources. New Leash on Life of Middle Tennessee in Lebanon, TN and PetSmart Charities® contributed essential equipment and supplies. Animal House Veterinary Clinic in Clarksville, TN and Premier Vet Care in Smyrna, TN provided emergency veterinary care for this rescue.

(Wgnsradio - April 12, 2015)

Earlier:

• Tennessee: Smyrna vet aids in rescuing animals from Carolyn Irby