Police investigate animal hoarding case in Dunlap

DUNLAP, Tennessee (WDEF) – Police had to use respirators to go into a home Thursday night containing more than 50 dogs and 20 cats.

State probation officers were the first ones to discover the problem.

They were verifying the address of a local sex offender for Operation Blackout.

Instead, they found the animals living in deplorable conditions.

They called in Dunlap Police which brought in Marion Animal Resource Center (MARC).

Many of the animals have health issues and several of the dogs are pregnant.

Officials are still evacuating animals on Friday, sending some to the McKamey Animal Center and the Hamilton County Humane Educational Society in Chattanooga.

Police have charged 48 year old Phillip R. McGhee and 59 year old Mary L. Smith with Animal Cruelty.

MARC is requesting volunteers and donations.

They need:

Kennels & Crates              Water & Food Bowls                      Collars & Leashes

Dog & Cat Food                Cat Litter Boxes & Kitty Litter

Puppy Pads                         Blankets

You can drop them off at the Dunlap Police Department located at 119 Church St.

Monetary donations to MARC can be made through their website at marc4change.org