KNOXVILLE, Tenn. — Charges are now pending as the Knox County Sheriff's Office investigates how dozens of animals ended up in a North Knox County home with some ultimately dying, KCSO said.
KCSO said Thursday it was working "very closely together" with the Knox County District Attorney General's Office.
Late Wednesday, 38 animals were removed from the home, according to the Sheriff's Office and Young-Williams Animal Center.
Young-Williams said it received 17 dogs, 12 cats, two guinea pigs, three rats, one bearded dragon, one gecko, one turtle and one parakeet. Five animals were found dead in the home.
Staff at the animal center worked for several hours to meet immediate medical needs, settle the animals comfortably and begin a thorough assessment of their condition, according to Young-Williams.
"We are grateful to the community of animal lovers in Knoxville for identifying this situation and to the Animal Control officers for their compassionate work throughout the evening to rescue these animals," Young-Williams said.
The animals will remain in the center's care and will continue to be evaluated and treated by the veterinarian team, according to Young-Williams.
"Our officers have worked so hard on this case," KCSO spokeswoman Lt. Heather Reyda said. "They've done an amazing job."
This story is ongoing and we will update you as we learn more.