The animals were discovered living in cages, beneath vehicles and amid piles of rubbish.

21:41, Thu, Aug 6, 2026 Updated: 21:46, Thu, Aug 6, 2026

Guardians of Rescue

One of the rescued dogs (Image: Guardians of Rescue)

Nearly 250 dogs are receiving care after being rescued from a severe hoarding situation on a five-acre wooded property strewn with rubbish. Volunteers from the animal-rescue charity Guardians of Rescue recovered 244 dogs of mixed breeds and ages from the property, in the US state of Kentucky.

The animals were discovered living in cages, beneath vehicles and amid piles of rubbish. According to Kelly Basham, director of operations at Guardians of Rescue, the operation began after the organisation received a tip-off and contacted state police. The homeowner voluntarily surrendered the dogs, explaining they had been left behind when her mother, a dog breeder, died several months earlier.

Get the latest news from around the world and more Invalid email

We use your sign-up to provide content in ways you've consented to and to improve our understanding of you. This may include adverts from us and 3rd parties based on our understanding. You can unsubscribe at any time. Read our Privacy Policy

The rescued animals have been placed with rescue groups in Kentucky, Tennessee, Ohio and Pennsylvania.

In Louisville the charity The Arrow Fund took in six of the dogs, one of which is being treated by local vets for severe skin and ear infections.

No charges have yet been brought against the property owner, and Kentucky State Police have not issued a public statement on the investigation.

Guardians of Rescue and local advocacy groups are appealing for donations, supplies and foster homes to support the dogs’ ongoing rehabilitation and eventual adoption.