JOELTON, Tenn. — Animal Rescue Corps (ARC), a national nonprofit animal protection organization, rescued 113 small-breed dogs from deplorable conditions in a private residence in Joelton, Tennessee, on July 9, 2025. The rescue, dubbed Operation Breaking Point, was conducted in partnership with Cheatham County Animal Control after local authorities requested emergency assistance.
Inside the home, located about 20 miles northwest of Nashville, rescuers discovered dogs and puppies living in extreme neglect. Yorkshire Terriers, Maltese, Havanese, Poodles, and “designer” mixes were found confined to filthy cages, pens, and makeshift enclosures throughout the house, with others loose and some in shockingly inhumane conditions—including several housed inside a kitchen oven.
Four dogs were kept outside on a deck, and one mother with newborn puppies—only hours old—was found in a bathtub.
High ammonia levels made the air inside the home dangerous, requiring rescuers to wear protective equipment.
Tragically, two deceased dogs were discovered among the survivors.
Several dogs were rushed to a 24-hour emergency veterinary hospital. The remainder were safely transported to ARC’s Rescue Center in Gallatin, Tenn, where they are now receiving comprehensive medical, physical, and emotional care…