LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WDRB) — Nearly 250 dogs have been rescued from a hoarding situation along the Adair and Metcalfe county line in western Kentucky, with some of the animals now receiving care in Louisville.
Volunteers found 244 dogs — ranging from Chihuahuas to Rottweilers, some just weeks old and others senior — packed in cages, hiding under cars and living among trash on a roughly five-acre wooded property.
Kelly Basham, director of operations for the animal rescue nonprofit Guardians of Rescue, said she received a tip about the home and contacted state police. She gave the homeowner a choice: surrender the dogs or wait for a warrant. The owner surrendered, explaining the animals were left behind after her mother — a breeder — died a few months ago.
"It's not feasible for anything, any living thing, to be living there," Basham said.
The dogs are now spread across rescue groups in at least four states, including Kentucky, Tennessee, Ohio and Pennsylvania.
The Arrow Fund brought six of the dogs to Louisville. Among them is a dog now named Churro, who is being treated for severe ear and skin infections.
"You can see how you get these skin folds and these kind of cobblestone appearance," said Dr. Chris Franklin, a veterinarian at Dogwood Veterinary Clinic treating the animals.
Katie Messenger is fostering 2 of the dogs.Â
"They're both really starved for affection — it's like they've really never received love before or been on a soft bed in their life," Messenger said.
Franklin said recovery can come quickly once the animals are placed in a foster home.
"You'll see a different dog in two weeks — it's amazing how quickly they turn around when they get in a good foster home," Franklin said.
Guardians of Rescue said charges have not been filed against the owner. The organization said it reached out to Kentucky State Police but had not received a response.
Basham said she intends to pursue accountability.
"I will not stop till she's held accountable," Basham said.
Guardians of Rescue said adoption details will be posted on its Facebook page in the coming weeks. Guardians of Rescue is asking for donations to help the dogs and for people to purchase items off its Amazon wish list. The Arrow Fund is asking for additional fosters and donations to support ongoing care.
"We are investigating the incident, and a Trooper is working with the County Attorney for potential charges against those involved," Kentucky State Police said in a statement. "The dogs are in the process of being rehomed by a group called Guardian of Rescue."
Copyright 2026 WDRB Media. All Rights Reserved.
