Animal control officials in Knox County say they are investigating one of the worst cases of animal neglect they've seen.

They say they found about two dozen dogs and horses in bad shape, some of them dead. Now two people face charges.

The Knox County Animal Control officer made the arrests Wednesday, but it was Thursday before animal control officials got their first look at the situation.

Knox County Animal Control officials see just about everything, but this scene was almost more than they could believe.

"This is probably one of the worst I've seen since I've been an animal control officer," said Carl Bolton.

They not only found dogs and horses in bad shape, they also found animal remains on the property in the Jarvis community of Knox County.

"I couldn't imagine how any normal person could lay down at night and smell this and listen to these animals. It's disgusting, it infuriates me," said Amy Young with the Knox Whitley Animal Shelter.

24 year old Earl Enlow and 22 year old Melanie Rogers together face a total of 17 charges of cruelty to animals. The couple lived in a trailer on the property. Officials say not only were the animals neglected, but many of them were tied up and couldn't get away.

"Some of the carcasses had choke collars, chains, and the remains of the horse still had a halter on it," Bolton said.

They suspect the couple took in more animals than they could handle.

"Don't take on more than you can handle, because it spirals out of control, and you end up hurting them worse than helping," Bolton said.

They say people should take stray animals to shelters, because even if they end up having to put them down.

"There are worse things than death, and this right here, is worse than death," Young said.

The Knox Whitley Animal Shelter is taking in the dogs and has found homes for the horses. The couple charged in the investigation pleaded not guilty and are out of jail on bond. They are due back in court Tuesday.