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Dozens Of Dogs Found Living In Filth; Owners Arrested Save Email Print
Posted: 6:07 PM Mar 11, 2008
Last Updated: 2:28 PM Mar 12, 2008

A | A | A

It is a scene that has left a lot of people stunned.

A home in the Sand Springs area of rural Jackson County was discovered, covered in almost one hundred dogs, some dead, some alive.

The yard is littered with their corpses, animals dying because their owner couldn't take care of them.

We're told people who live in Jackson County would drop off unwanted dogs at the home, but it appears those good-intentions got a little out of control.

Law enforcement officials responded to the home after a complaint from a neighbor.

Crews, dressed in suits usually reserved for chemical spills and meth lab cleanup, went into the home to remove dogs, dead and alive.

Sheriff Tim Fee says there were 70 dogs found alive outside the home, in addition to 14 dead dogs. He says there were more inside the home.

Officials say the conditions were some of the worst they've seen.

Two people have been arrested, charged with animal abuse: Tim Foust and Shawn Embs. A third person could face charges.

A 13-year-old boy who was living inside the home was put into state custody.

The dogs that are still alive are being taken to the Gray Hawk Animal Clinic for treatment Right now the Gray Hawk Animal Clinic is in desperate need of supplies to care for the dogs and they say you can make a donation to the Gray Hawk Animal Clinic, PO Box 387 Mckee, KY 40434.

You can also reach them at 606-287-8475.

From there, the animals will be sent to local animal shelters. We're told some dogs will need to be put down because they are too sick.

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Posted by: Anonymous Location: Earth on Mar 16, 2008 at 01:57 AM
As someone familiar with animal rescue, I can't help but pipe into this subject. I saw the news coverage. And maybe some things need to be cleared up from a practiced eye. 1. It's a fact that dogs come into a rescue, often sick and diseased. It takes time to nurse them back to health. Many die before they can even be vetted. 2. It's a fact that it's common practice at rescues and shelters to freeze carcauses. Why? It's illegal to bury large numbers of dead animals in a small area, it's illegal to burn them, and only a landfill is licensed to even dispose of them. You have to freeze the carcauses until you can dispose of them at a landfill. In the news coverage, I didn't see ONE sick dog. They all looked healthy and well fed to me. And your local shelter stuffs more in their kennels than I saw in that news footage of the outdoor kennels. These people may have become overwhelmed, but my sense is things got exagerated and out of hand when someone called the news.

Posted by: Michelle Location: Estill on Mar 14, 2008 at 09:50 PM
The couple and their adopted dogs trashed a newly remodeled house in Estill Co.The police and Social Services were notified. The dogs were being adopted out for a fee by the couple.Stop this from happening and visit your local animal shelter and adopt a dog or cat.Don't forget to spay or nueter.

Posted by: Gail Location: Lawrenceburg on Mar 14, 2008 at 09:07 PM
TOLD UM SO - I canot believe you knew this was going on and did nothing? I would have screamed at the governor if it would have drawn attention to this travesty. Cathy - I am a supporter of our troops, and I can say without a doubt, most of our troops would not only have a problem with the treatment of the dogs, but with your attitude as well. Even an animal has compassion.

Posted by: Lee Location: Jackson on Mar 14, 2008 at 07:45 PM
I keep hearing that we need an animal shelter and I agree. The county keeps saying that the money isn't available. I tell you what we could do? Everyday I drive by the NEW RENOVATE WHAT HOUSE AT THE TOP OF BIG HILL, OH! THE WELCOME CENTER. Now there would be a great place to have for all those stray dogs and cats. The house has thousands of dollars going to waste any how, so lets keep the dogs there. We would at least get our tax dollars worth instead of just looking at it.

Posted by: ??? on Mar 14, 2008 at 06:37 PM
willy, what are you talking about? people do get this outraged over child abuse.

Posted by: Anonymous Location: Also Earth on Mar 14, 2008 at 04:55 PM
Why has no one asked who was funding this rescue mission? As the government was putting money into this operation, shouldn't they be the one's responsible for "checking up" on those who were operating this establishment? It is my understanding that money is distributed 'per dog'. As for those who are pointing fingers at those who live in the area, how much do you know about your neighbors? It would be nice if people spent this much time studying God's word and helping people instead of trying to put others down. This really does nothing to improve the situation at all.

Posted by: Sing Along With Me on Mar 14, 2008 at 04:27 PM
How much is that doggy in the freezer..woof woof, the one with the big frozen tail..woof woof, how much is that doggy in the freezer...woof woof, Those stupid people are going to jail....WOOF WOOF!

Posted by: Leg go let GOd Location: Earth on Mar 14, 2008 at 03:05 PM
It is a shame that people talk when they don't know the whole story,all complaints where followed through..all complaints by every neighbor that ever was called on the animals,deputy by deputy would go to the shelter and no abused dogs were ever saw. The home , the barn, the basement, all were looked into. Nothing was found,yes if the neighbors saw dogs eating dogs..then why did they not donate money to this shelter and give these people a chance to feed these animals...are they (the neighbors) responsible then for this neglect.if they did not feed the hungry dogs themselves..The police was called so many times for so many things at this shelter and on every occasion....nothing out of the ordinary was found. As for the owners of the home....they never saw any dead dogs. No under nourished dogs. If so they would have taken care of the situation. This is the type of people they are. The sad thing here is so many dogs suffered...children have suffered, home owners have sufferd..

Posted by: Christa Location: Bell County on Mar 14, 2008 at 01:41 PM
The easiest way to fix this problem is to have an animal fixed, it only cost around a $100 dollars and it's a ONE time deal. There are 7 members in my family and we all have a pet and all of them are fixed.

Posted by: Tresea Location: Corbin,KY. on Mar 14, 2008 at 01:33 PM
It just makes me sick to see all those dogs pend up like they where. They shouldn't have been living like that. The owners should get the max. pentaly for animal cruelity. I love animals and I broke down and cried over what I saw on t.v.. There is no sense in this kind of behaveior! The Embs boy I do believe he has a disability you can tell that by listing to him talk and you can tell he was scared no doubt that. I pray he doesn't have to pay for someone elses horrible tradegy! The cousin in my opinion does look intimidating.

Posted by: willy Location: lexington on Mar 14, 2008 at 09:50 AM
I have dogs and I love them but I wish people would get this outraged over the thousands of children that are mentally,physically and sexually abused everyday in this state.I guess it's ok to kick your kid and live in deplorable conditions but please don't kick the dog?

Posted by: Anonymous Location: Garrard on Mar 14, 2008 at 09:08 AM
I think people have some really interesting views on this subject. I lived in Sand Springs most of my life, and visited there last week. I passed right by this house, several times, and it wasn't like they left the dead dogs laying out in the front yard for everybody to see. I didn't see anything, and I'm sure that the "social worker family" to which I am a member of, and the many other neighbors to whom I am very close probably didn't notcie anything as well. It is common sense that if they are supposed to be an animal assist shelter, that there were many dogs there, but as for the condition of those dogs, and knowing that there were harmed animals, it was not obvious.

Posted by: Earwig Location: Prestonsburg on Mar 14, 2008 at 12:42 AM
We have all of this compassion for animals and in the left column of this page under My Kentucky is someone hold what appears to be a dead bobcat...what is this about???

Posted by: Violet Cain Location: Sand Springs on Mar 13, 2008 at 11:02 PM
To Anonymous in Sand Springs again. You seem to have some resentment against me, perhaps because of my profession. I challenge you to contact me by phone. My number is listed and you obviously know where I work. Regarding the situation next door if most of the dog cages had not been inside the barn closed up and many of the dogs inside the home particularly in the basement they would have been visible to anyone who passed the home. In my job I am required to investigate reports of abuse and neglect I do not go to people's homes to look for problems on my own. You can be assured that if I have a concern about any child including my own grandchildren I will take action as I have in the past. I had no idea and do not believe any of the community knew the magnitude of the situation. My issue was the dogs that came to our home and caused problems for us. I keep myself at home when I'm not working and don't bother anyone and expect others to not cause problems for me at my home.

Posted by: Anonymous Location: Ky on Mar 13, 2008 at 08:42 PM
Its funny how some people will take a story like this and turn it into something else.

Posted by: TOLD UM SO Location: SAND SPRINGS on Mar 13, 2008 at 06:55 PM
YES,I was borned and raised in the Sand Springs area and very proud of it,but when something like this goes on some high headed people tries to put everyone down.Well I knew this was going on I saw dogs eating dogs,them running around bones almost sticking thouugh their skin.I saw one dog lay down beside the road dead for TWO days where everyone could see. one layed where BIG RIDGE road joins 89 dead until it begin to rot,dogs barking all night keeping people up all night thats got a family they have to take care of. I know the people that owns this house in fact they are my relation they dont need the money bad enough to let this happen,OH they dont live around here any more but they should think about the rest of us who owns our home here and have to see this ever day I feelbad about the animals but most of all the kids was abused too so I think they should have to stay behind bars for the kids then the dogs

Posted by: wondering also Location: Mckee on Mar 13, 2008 at 06:27 PM
Anonymous! (edited). These dog where dying and sick when they got to the Shelter. Did you know this place was a Shelter did you offer to donate time or money! the answer would be NO! Because then you would have known. And then you could have help to let the right one in on this big secret that had to have been happening for a while that all these neighbors where hiding from the world....lol If you seen a stray would you have picked it up! NO Bet you haven't offered to help. hiding behind that keyboard blaming this one or that one...your a joke! o if you had known it was a shelter. it wouln't have gotten this far, I assure you of that. Right and if you know so much about your neighbors you this was a shelter.....

Posted by: Ham on Mar 13, 2008 at 03:03 PM
Larry Location: Lexington we are concerned about the children animals can't speak out those kids did

Posted by: Anonymous Location: Sand Springs on Mar 13, 2008 at 01:15 PM
I think the reason there are so many comments on this story is because there are so many people that don't want to take blame for something they knew was going on. I keep seeing "people was contacted, but nothing was done". Obviously some people just don't care as much for animals as they do humans, which is sad, because they are a living, breathing, beeing also. No one wants to take blame for this, but if it were our children out in those cages, you can bet it would not have went this far. It's had to have been happening for a while, you can't get that many dogs overnight, but yet nothing was done. I'm sorry to say, I still don't understand why so long. I don't think anyone is showing more concern for dogs than children, it's just plain and simple; no one wants to take the blame, so everybody keeps coming up with excuses. I think "mentchen" is really mention, and they don't know how to spell.

Posted by: Sand Springs resident Location: Sand Springs on Mar 13, 2008 at 12:52 PM
Larry, I believe you know that "mentchen" is simply a mispelled word (mention)perhaps from a youngster, learning disabled individual or some older person who had less education than we fortunate persons.Most of our generation didn't have to drop out of school to tend fields and other very hard labor jobs to support their siblings, parents and grandparents when times were very hard. I'm believe this person, as are the rest of the residents of our community, is a very proud person. Maybe some of you city folks would like to visit our community and meet our people. You all would not be so quick to judge every aspect of our lives, culture and morality. I've lived here all my life and have witnessed the actions and interactions of the "Ridge" residents. We may move away for a while and not visit each other much but there is a connection between most past and current residents. Graves are still dug by neighbors, wakes and funerals are very respected. Everyone is dependable in times of need.

Posted by: Cathy Location: Frenchburg on Mar 13, 2008 at 12:31 PM
It really upsets me when the news say that this may be disturbing to some viewers, but they will tell about our troops being killed and no comments about that.The troops don't even make top story, dogs do. Come on people they are dogs not human.

Posted by: D. Buonanno Location: Lexington,KY on Mar 13, 2008 at 12:04 PM
As an animal lover, I was shocked and saddened to hear about this horrendous situation. I believe the best possible punishment for this is to lock them behind bars, with no beds,food or water for at least 30 days. Then, place them under lock and key for a long time so they cannot try to "save" any more dogs. Apparently, the law enforcement and "powers that be" should also hang their heads in shame; after numerous calls and complaints, they chose to do nothing. What does that say about our society? We need to care about all God's creatures.

Posted by: Anonymous Location: Sand Springs on Mar 13, 2008 at 11:11 AM
It appears that all the nasty comments that are being said are most likely from neighbors or from ones who knew this was going on and are feeling guilty and can't take honest criticism. If in fact this has been reported more than once, then why don't this community get together and vote these sorry a** politicians out of this county, and get new ones in that do care? They always say "no funds", but they sure do have the money to buy new sheriff and police cars every year. There needs to be an animal shelter in this county, because I for one see lots of animals running the roads that are malnourished and in search of food. There are lots of good people here, then there are the ones who act like they are good who have a different side. Many people who claim to be religous, but are far worse than the ones who done this. To whomever finally got something done, THANK YOU! And Violet, you above all should have noticed, you see everything!

Posted by: Larry Location: Lexington on Mar 13, 2008 at 09:11 AM
First off, what the heck is a "mentchen" as posted by "neighbor from Mckee." Secondly, there are more comments on this story than the woman who tried to choke, smother and kill her kids. It's pretty sad when people show more concern for animals than children. I'm still trying to figure out what a "mentchen" is...LOL!

Posted by: a neighbor Location: Mckee on Mar 13, 2008 at 12:46 AM
This For Anonymous Location: Mc kee (Sand Springs)I'm also a neighbor. There was no mentchen of a residents on the opposite side of 89n across from this social worker family in your comment?????

Posted by: mike Location: paintsville on Mar 13, 2008 at 12:26 AM
The dogs they saved will be fed, took care of and brought back to health, then a few weeks later are put to sleep. something is wrong with the system. I just wanted to comment on that and think thast before you give this woman the gas chamber, even though what she done was wrong, are we any better as a community by " ethicly killing " these animals.

Posted by: anonymous on Mar 12, 2008 at 11:10 PM
The people from sand springs was not dropping dogs off at this house.most of these dogs came from the animal shelter in irvine.the neighbors have called authorities on these people every since they moved into this area(about 8 months ago).And also that house was rented shouldn't the owners of the house have done something before it got this bad?!?!

Posted by: Anonymous on Mar 12, 2008 at 10:26 PM
lot of dogs .

Posted by: Animal Lover Location: Knox County on Mar 12, 2008 at 10:13 PM
After reading through all the comments,one gets the impression that many people in the community knew about this situation(with the dogs and the children). Have we become so indifferent to life that we discard God's creatures and allow our children to live in such enviroments? I'll bet no one was calling to report these people when they were dropping off an animal along their driveway! It was not too long ago that some horses were found dead or starved to death. No animal should have to suffer. starvation and unsanitary/unsocialized enviroments is no life for any animal(even if done under so called good intentions). I'm still having problems understanding how long the neighbors went seeing this go on before he/she called authorities. Shame Shame. The next time these people are struggling with the question of should I or shouldn't I, just try to imagine what it would feel like if someone locked you up with no food, water, no hope...No hope.. For all those who knew(may God forgive you)

Posted by: Violet Location: Sand Springs on Mar 12, 2008 at 09:19 PM
"Anonymous in Sand Springs" I am the "Social Worker" neighbor. First of all if you have a comment that you feel should be heard you should be willing to state your name. Otherwise, it seems you are not sure enough about what you have to say to be identified. In this case that is the fact. You do not know the Cabinet's protocal for Child Protection reporting and investigations. I have been a Social Worker for nearly 29 years and have had the opportunity to SERVE many of my neighbors and aquantiances. Just because a person is a Social Worker doesn't mean they know ALL about their friends and neighbors as I am sure you don't either. It appears that Mrs. Faust allowed her good intentions to get out of control. Myself and other neighbors had called the County Judge Executive, Sheriff's Dept,Health Dept, dog catcher and landlords to alert them of the concerns about the situation at this residence several times over the past year.And unlike you I'm proud of our community and all my neighbors.

Posted by: carol Location: london on Mar 12, 2008 at 09:00 PM
i am a animal lover,i have 3 dogs and 3 cats, they are my kids, i have no mercy on trashy people,they need to be done the same way,let the sorry people rott in prison.these animals are like us, they don't ask to be put on this earth.i wish i was a judge ,i would treat the people just like they have done these helpless little dogs,that can't do nothing for there selfs,in that filths,it take a very low life person to do this.why hadn't the neighbors complain before .if they could see what kind of shape the dogs was in they should had something before now. i do not feel sorry for the boy in jail. his tears won't make me feel sorry for him.he new what was going on. he is in there where belongs.what about the dogs how they felts,my tears went for the dogs ,not for the sorry low life people.i have always live in ky, but ky needs to change in a lot of ways,i'm for the animals,people came help there self ,but the animals can't, i will help older people some . but my help will be for animals.

Posted by: wondering also Location: Mc kee (Sand Springs) on Mar 12, 2008 at 07:57 PM
person from Sand Springs,You know AKA Anonymous Location:Mckee(Sand Springs)OPINIONS are like ___! I also live in this Sand Springs community! Where is YOUR sense of morality? You should be ashamed for that comment. If you think these neighbors just set by and never said a thing..lol YOUR too high up on your horse too smell the DOG __! as you DRIVE BY! I'm proud of everyone of these neighbors who keep the phones HOT with complant after complant on this abuse, FINELY someone got to the right person or persons, Blaming the neighbors is fine if you know for a fact there guilty of not making calls time after time to the dog warden and those who refused to listen, but if you dont know you should keep your very embarrassed to be in this community OPINIONS to your self. STEP UP to the plate and say Thanks to these neighbors for not leting go till the right thing was done. I'll Say THANKS TO THESE NEIGHBORS for making this neglect and,abuse known. I'm proud to have stand up neighbors like that!

Posted by: hearing to much --------- Location: sand springs on Mar 12, 2008 at 07:30 PM
to answer the question how long us neigbors set and let this go on well from what i know the dog warden was called time and time again he didnt want to get involved i do know for afact he was at estill co, animal shelter when she went and got a load of dogs from over there so after trying to get it took care for so long i just gave up so save your stones that you are throwing and try to stop your mouth with it

Posted by: anonymous Location: jackson county on Mar 12, 2008 at 07:29 PM
No doubt this is a sad situation. I really feel sorry for the dogs but as some other people have posted, we have no animal shelter here and no one in any politcal office around here seems to care about animals. I know a few years ago some horses got out and were running down Hwy. 421 and when dispatch was called they said they couldn't call out anyone because of a bunch of horses. Around here it's not unusual for someone to drop off unwanted dogs/cats at a home where it's obvious that the people living there like animals. It happens all the time. I wouldn't even begin to know what to do with a stray if it came in my yard. Would an animal shelter from another county even accept it?? I don't know. I hope that these dogs can get treatment and good homes and I hope that the people that are responsible for this get punishment but I know that they may also need treatment for some kind of mental illness more than they need punishment.

Posted by: Anonymous on Mar 12, 2008 at 07:13 PM
to pansy: most county judge executives in this state will only budget funds for projects asked for by their campaign donors. they are as crooked as any other politician. he's probably not doing much for starving children in the county either. try calling your state representatives if you can't get anywhere with the county govt.

Posted by: joe Location: mckee on Mar 12, 2008 at 06:34 PM
well if had a animal shelter in the county things like this would be unheard of. you call the dog catcher he works another job at 5 or 6 o`clock he will get back with you. you can`t walk down the road with out dogs come out barking at you. even the mayor lets his dogs run lose in town.

Posted by: Anonymous Location: Sand Springs on Mar 12, 2008 at 06:31 PM
To the person in Mc Kee that calls themselves "wondering": Yes! If someone lives close to something and KNOWS what's going on, you're ***n right they can help it! Let's get real here! Had I KNOWN this was going on, it wouln't have gotten this far, I assure you of that. The home is housed between two roads. From the highway, you could not see anything unless you stopped and looked, but from the other road that runs long side it, you could see all the cages with the dogs. I don't drive that road, but, many other people do! And as far as the outhouse, you won't smell it unless you walk up and put your nose in it. An outhouse is alot different than lives, don't you agree?

Posted by: Tony on Mar 12, 2008 at 06:27 PM
I'M A DOG LOVER ! I think this is a shame , the question is where did those dogs come from , my quess is the came from people who abandoned them , thats right if you've ever abandoned an animal you are as guilty as the people who pick them up and do this to them. MAKES YOU THINK ! I also want to say after I saw the Ambs boy on tv , and I mean only good by saying this , he seems to have a disability . Ideal with young and old people like this young man every day , I belive if you pay atention to the interview you can see what I'm seeing . If so another tragedy is being commited , an innocent human being kept for something he doesnt even understand , its clear he was afraid of the the cousins he stayed with. Its also clear he doesnt fully understand, an evaulation will determine this . 2 lessons being learned here about pinning up and neglecting the innocent . AS FOR THE COUSINS ITS CLEAR TO SEE THEY ARE HEARTLESS .

Posted by: Anonymous on Mar 12, 2008 at 06:09 PM
Hey, you know what? I feel for the puppies. I mean, what did they do? They said the puppies and their mothers were WELL FED. They also said that the mothers were agressive and couldn't be adopted out, so they would most likely be uthanized, and if they couldn't find any homes for the puppies, they would most likely be uthanized as well. What Did They Do??? They should try as hard as they can to find those puppies homes, for they didn't do anything wrong. It was not their fault that they were born into a home that they couldn't be taken care of. If I could, I would go adopt all of those puppies so they wouldn't be uthanized. Maybe the mothers are agressive because they have the puppies. What they need to do is let the puppies stay with the mothers until they are old enough to be weaned, then they should take them away and if they are still aggressive, then they should do something with the mothers. Those puppies did nothing wrong, and it is very cruel to not even give them a chance.

Posted by: Dog Lover Location: London on Mar 12, 2008 at 06:09 PM
The home owner should definately be charged. I am glad the 18yr. old was able to tell his side at least on tv. Hopefully the judge will let him speak as well. I love animals and this thing happens daily in every county.

Posted by: neighbor Location: sandsprings on Mar 12, 2008 at 05:58 PM
yes i saw this going on dogs eating dogs the kids shoveling ---- dogs coming to my house------everywhere dogs barking all night long but it is very hard to get things done if the other people dont step in and try to help so dont throw stones so fast one might just hit you

Posted by: Citizen Location: Neighboring County on Mar 12, 2008 at 05:10 PM
You know, I can relate to Pansy's answer. I had a very large funny acting stray dog that came into my yard and was destroying things on my porch. It would run and shy away if I tried to approach,I called our county's dog catcher after calling around the neighborhood to see if the dog belonged to anyone and no one was missing a dog. He refused to come get the dog, said he'd be here after he got off his day job. As I had a toddler (2 y/o) at the time that loved being outdoors and would sneak outside if I turned my head, I called our county Sheriff's office, with their assistance, I was able to force him to come do the job (he was elected to do). It's a pity that you can't get officials to do the jobs they're paid to do. Extremely sad for animals that are left abandoned and neglected. My pests are spayed and neutered, others should consider this when obtaining a pet.

Posted by: Jimmy Location: McKee,ky on Mar 12, 2008 at 04:00 PM
I have read all the comments here.My wife& I do rescue of animals here often. we not only take them in but we take them to a vet in london..get their check ups, shots, spayed & neutered..we advertise these animals in the lexington herald & not in the local paper as we figure these dogs may go right back to the same situation we saved them from. we always give the dogs away free if the person shows they will be good owners..fenced yard, type of food they will feed, views on vet care, etc. we sometimes say a fee on the phone to see if the person is serious about owning a dog but when they arrive we let them take them for free..anyone that will travel over an hour to buy a dog i believe will take care of it.. we figure the $$we spend is worth seeing an animal going to a good home.we also use legit online rescue sites we have 11 forever dogs & 3 cats.all spayed or netured, shots and monthly flea treated. so please don't think all pet owners in this county are terrible like these people

Posted by: wondering Location: mckee on Mar 12, 2008 at 03:03 PM
To the person from Sand Springs: If you lived in that community, Why are you blaming the other neighbors? I guess if you think they are guilty, that makes you just as guilty as them!!! Why didn't you report it, you had to pass the house also, and I'm sure you could see as much from the road as anyone else could. Are you trying to make yourself look or feel better than other people? Put the blame where it belongs. Just because people may live close to something like this doesn't mean they can help what goes on. If your neighbor builds an outhouse, could you tear it down or would you have to sit back and smell his ____ ???

Posted by: Ham Location: frankfort on Mar 12, 2008 at 02:54 PM
Diane, this is the info I found this (edited) just breaks my heart I sure hope they hang them and I pray for the kids in the home how sad and the abused children in the world (606) 287-8475. Send checks or donations to P.O. Box 387, Gray Hawk, Ky. 40434.or In care of Tim Fee, Jackson County Sheriff P.O. Box 426 McKee, KY 40447

Posted by: anonymous Location: berea on Mar 12, 2008 at 01:17 PM
These people are so sick. They need to be done exactly the same way as they treated the dogs. The worst thing about the situation was they were locked in cages and couldnt even try to help themselves they just had to sit there and starve. My prayers are with these dogs. I really hope people go out and adopt these dogs and give them the homes and the love that they deserve. I have 2 dogs and they are like my children.It is really true dogs are a mans best friend. You can be having a bad day and you come home and they jump up and kiss you and it just puts you in a good mood. So here is a great chance to get a new friend and to do something good.

Posted by: Pansy Location: McKee,ky on Mar 12, 2008 at 12:45 PM
i wanted to repond to a comment on here regarding neighbors or people passing by this home that didn't report this situation. By my own experience in this area it is possible that the dog warden was called and he didn't respond. He doesn't like to trek across the county (his own words) since he lives on the far side of Jackson County. also if the ones reporting this saw there was no response or action by the County then Peta should of been called! That's what i did after reporting my neighbors several times over the past few years,,they would feed the animals or stash them in the barn till they thought the hoopla had died down then we would see them out again starving, bones showing...Now after calling peta these animals look so much better and I even see rolls of hay for the horse's to eat this year. To sad for the animals that had to die at my neighbors home before action was finally taken by the 'Leaders' of this community.

Posted by: Pansy Location: McKee,Ky on Mar 12, 2008 at 12:23 PM
I moved to Jackson Co. approx. 9 years ago and have seen animals in horrible condition. i have done alot rescue here & once several several years ago ask channel 27 to come here to do a story on some abandoned animals, some even eating each other. The dog warden here does not have much interest in responding to calls about neglect.I have repeatly ask for his assistance regarding starving animals at a neighbors. Finally I resorted to calling Peta and the situation has improved. i talked with the judge excutive (approx. a year ago)he lectured me on the starving people in the area and stated to me that his concern was not with the animals and there is "no Funds" for a Humane Society/kennel. I was told he could get kennel built but how would they maintain it? who would work as volunteer? he mad eme feel like i was in the wrong with my concern. if contacted i will gladly give a more detail response of the police/dog warden & judge excutive when i spoke to them. (edited)

Posted by: Anim Location: Jackson Co on Mar 12, 2008 at 11:49 AM
Rumours were flying around here yesterday that some of the dogs were found in the freezer cut up. Was that true or just oldman gossip

Posted by: dale Location: lancaster,ky on Mar 12, 2008 at 11:45 AM
i used to live in jackson for 20 years and this is pretty much normal behavier for most people there.they are some very good folk there too

Posted by: Diane Location: Winchester on Mar 12, 2008 at 11:37 AM
Would love to get the information on where to send donations to help the animals? I have tried to get through to the number all morning and it has been busy. Thanks for any help!

Posted by: Glynda Location: Crab Orchard on Mar 12, 2008 at 10:44 AM
My heart goes out for all these precious little dogs. They are the speechless ones and cant tell you their story. I have a dachshund that is like my 3rd child. When I seen this story air on the news last night she was sitting in my lap and all I could do was cry and look at her. I hope these people never get out of jail.

Posted by: BARBARA Location: FRANKFORT on Mar 12, 2008 at 10:21 AM
This is a terrible situation with so many animals and so much death. I want to know also about the children, they said one was taken away. Doesn't anyone care how the children were treated or what filth they were living in. They not only need to pay for the animals with the abuse but the kids also.

Posted by: Anonymous Location: Mc kee (Sand Springs) on Mar 12, 2008 at 10:01 AM
There is nothing that sickens me more than to here stories of such horror, but to make matters worse is to live in the community that this has happened in. That particular home is on two roads: hwy 89N, and Big Ridge rd. Every vehicle coming out of big ridge road could see everything going on there. Why did they wait so long to do anything? Then we have a social worker that lives less than 500 feet away from this home on 89N. She in turn also has a son that lives directly across from this home. Where is their sense of morality? I would be ashamed if I was anyone of these people living around any of this and seeing it go on and not doing nothing about it. In my opinion, everyone of these neighbors are just as guilty as the ones that commited the crime. I am very embarrassed to be in this community.

Posted by: Anonymous Location: Eastern KY on Mar 12, 2008 at 09:52 AM
Let's get a bill passed about abusing dogs before one about killing poor innocent babies. That sounds right doesn't it!! NOT!!!!

Posted by: heather Location: prestonsburg on Mar 12, 2008 at 09:48 AM
This is horrible I am so tired of seeing this on the news. These people need to be put in jail for a long time. What about the kids in this situation was one of them taken to the hospital for staph infection. If this people can take care of their own kids then way would people drop animals off at this house. This is truely sickening to our state and these people need to made am example of so the next people who do this might stop and think that there is a punishment for their crime.

Posted by: Frank Location: United States on Mar 12, 2008 at 09:21 AM
Heart breaking story. Is there an e-mail address for the Gray Hawk Clinic?? Would like to see about adopting a puppy, and bringing north to the Cincy area.

Posted by: concerned Location: ky on Mar 12, 2008 at 09:15 AM
I just heard that this place was suppose to be a shelter for animal assist. Is this true? Who is suppose to be in charge of places like that? Shouldn't the state or someone be looking in on places like that?

Posted by: concerned Location: ky on Mar 12, 2008 at 09:11 AM
People, put the blame where it should be. Not the people who had the dogs but the idiots who were just dumping them out there like a bag of garbage. Granted they should have called the shelter, but I blame all those who decided they didn't want their pet, so they just dumped them. They should find those people and charge them also. They shouldn't be allowed to get away with it.

Posted by: Kris Location: Richmond on Mar 12, 2008 at 08:57 AM
Jay, I agree with you. I can understand good intentions getting out of hand, but at what point do you stop noticing the dead dogs lying around??

Posted by: wanda Location: campton Ky. on Mar 12, 2008 at 08:45 AM
This is terrible. If people can't take care of dogs/annimals they don't need them.These people should go to prison for this. Those dogs didn't have to be treated like that There are to many people that love dogs.

Posted by: concerned on Mar 12, 2008 at 08:43 AM
These dogs ALL came from the setil county shelter they were NOT drop offs. Reputable rescues were lined up for many of those dogs and were refused by the shelter, instead AMIEE came and got them. She is the culprit along with the shelter who released these dogs and puppies. Many of us in rescue tried to stop this but the shelter refused to listen. This needs to be investigated further, believe me!!!!

Posted by: SR Location: Lexington on Mar 12, 2008 at 08:28 AM
Why did it take so long for the neighbors to report this? 70 dogs and 14 dead dogs later ??

Posted by: Lea Location: Corbin on Mar 12, 2008 at 08:24 AM
Paul - what does this have to do with Vick who FOUGHT dogs and then tortured the ones that were injured until they died. This situation is very different. These people should have taken these dogs to the shelter, not let them die with no care. As far as how many dogs a person should own - it depends on the person and their ability to CARE for the animals, some people don't deserve ANY pets.

Posted by: whit Location: booneville on Mar 12, 2008 at 08:23 AM
DUDE ITS A PRIVILEGE TO OWN A ANIMAL SO DO US ALL A FAVOR AND TAKE CARE OF THEM, THE IDIOTS WOULDN'T TAKE CARE OF THERE PETS I'D HATE TO SEE HOW THEY LOOKED.

Posted by: debbie Location: eubank on Mar 12, 2008 at 07:46 AM
these people needs to be jailed those poor dogs if any body cant afford them they sure dont need any type of aniamls

Posted by: Jay Location: Earth on Mar 12, 2008 at 04:03 AM
Neglect is a form of abuse regardless of how you want to slice it to make yourself feel better Gail. Frankly, I am tired of seeing people like yourself acknowledge the situation as bad/horrible/awful, but in the same breath apologize for those who are abusive to domesticated animals. The world does not run on good intentions.

Posted by: Gail Location: Lawrenceburg on Mar 11, 2008 at 10:11 PM
Oh, get of the Michael Vick thing. Michael Vick was convicted of dogfighting, which is purposely torturing animals in order to make money. Dogfighting is often related to drug offenses as well. Dogfighted is a completely different scenario than a hoarder situation. Granted, what happened to these animals is horrible, but I doubt Foust and Embs were being malicious in their intent. Hoarders are often linked to mental illness; anyone living in those conditions would have to be mentally ill. Michael Vick should be treated exactly the way he treated his animals.

Posted by: Sharon Location: McCreary on Mar 11, 2008 at 10:11 PM
I hate to hear about stuff like this. It is so sad. Animals have more feelings than some may think.Until there are tougher laws on animal & child abuse i would say we will continue to see these stories. These people should go to jail.

Posted by: grace Location: hyden on Mar 11, 2008 at 09:54 PM
hi you would think this good have been stopp ed before it got this bad but i do not know the facts. it is sad when animals have to suffer.

Posted by: A.P. Location: SCIENCEHILL on Mar 11, 2008 at 08:28 PM
THEY SHOULD FIND THE PEOPLE WHO DUMPED THERE DOGS THERE AND MAKE THEM LIVE IN THE HOME.

Posted by: Sara Location: Stanford on Mar 11, 2008 at 08:18 PM
I am heartbroken to hear of this in our state of Kentucky. I am wanting to help out in anyway I can. Could you please post information on who/where we can contact to help these poor animals!

Posted by: Peggy Location: Jeffersonville,Ky on Mar 11, 2008 at 07:57 PM
Good God! Why on Earth would people in that area take dogs to this place instead of to the shelter? Why allow this to take place for the length of time it took for that many dogs to accumulate at the place and getting to the point of such devastation before calling the authorities? What makes these people think it's alright for them to 'take these dogs in',but not feed them,and give them a decent life? Atleast at the shelter,the dogs have a chance of being adopted,or are humanely put down,not starved to death! There is no way a single home can properly take care of more than 5-10 dogs at a time,(that would be questionable)-such as the person is very well qualified and has the $,kennels and time.This is so sad. I hope the judge over this case makes an example of the people responsible for this. I'm still having problems understanding how long the neighbor went seeing this go on before he/she called authorities.

Posted by: paul Location: lexington on Mar 11, 2008 at 07:13 PM
let's see if they get treated like mike vick

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