HENRY CO., Tenn. – Henry County Sheriff's deputies rescued more than three dozen dogs from a home just northwest of Paris, Tennessee on Wednesday.
Authorities said that the dogs were seized from a home on Jack Younger Lane and that Cheryl Anne Kidd, 66, was arrested and charged in connection with abuse of the animals.
According to Henry County Sheriff Monte Belew, 31 Shih Tzu's were rescued from the home, but that number increased to 37 after one of the dogs gave birth to a litter of puppies.
"They're multiplying, I think we have a couple of other mothers expecting as well," he said.
Deputies told Nashville's News 2 they do not believe Kidd lived at the home where the animals were found, but she was responsible for the animals.
"I do believe Miss Kidd had a love for these animals and has a love for the dogs but I think two things. One, she was doing some of it for a profit and two she became overwhelmed just by the sheer numbers," Belew said.
The dogs were discovered while investigating a complaint of a strong odor coming from the home.
Belew said the animals were found living in complete filth.
"[There] were feces all over the floor, [their] water was contaminated. [It was] horrendous conditions for the dogs to be living in," he said.
The animals are currently being cared for at the Henry County Sheriff's Department's animal shelter and the Humane Society.
The animals will be placed up for adoption after the criminal case is complete.
"Hopefully we can get them into a friendly, loving home where they need to be," Belew said.
Kidd is scheduled to appear in court on Tuesday.
Cheryl Anne Kidd, 66, was arrested and charged in connection with abuse of the animals
