LOGAN COUNTY, Ky. — The Logan County Humane Society of Kentucky took in around 120 dogs after local authorities busted a nearby mill. That intake more than doubled their capacity overnight, so the shelter is in need of donations and volunteers to continue caring for the recently rescued animals. 

Logan County Humane Society of Kentucky director Ray Wilson went along with sheriff’s deputies as they went into the animal mill. He described what he saw as horrific.

“They were there living in their own feces, stacked on top of each other with no space. A lot of them, we suspect, haven’t seen the light of day since they were born. It’s just a very heartbreaking situation and we knew we had to act quick to get them out of there,” said Wilson.

Wilson and his team helped transport the approximately 120 animals back to the shelter. In doing so, the shelter more than doubled its normal capacity with just a six-hour notice.

“We definitely need a lot of manpower and a lot of hands here on deck. That’s why we are calling on the community for volunteers. Any little bit can help,” said Wilson. 

It’s also expensive to care for that many animals, espeically as they need veterinary care. Wilson used the organization’s Facebook page to explain what was going on and put out a call for help. The community quickly answered, raising $10,000 within 24 hours. While more has been raised since, Wilson said monetary donations are still needed. 

He said veterinary care for all the animals could run between $15,000-$20,000. That’s just for regular vet needs, not accounting for any surgeries that could be necessary.

“I know that anger is something that comes natural whenever you see something like this, especially with animals who are defenseless, don’t have a voice and can’t speak up for themselves,” said Wilson. “We have to push all those emotions aside to get the mission done at the end of the day, which was getting those animals out of there and on track to a better life.”

The Logan County Humane Society of Kentucky has been using social media to keep people updated on how the pups are now doing. They told followers many of the animals are starting to do a lot better. 

There are many people commenting about wanting to adopt some of the little pups, Wilson said. Unfortunately, that will not be possible until a court process plays out.

“There’s a lot to go into any kind of court case. Right now, they are technically evidence. In order for them to be assigned over to another home, which is what adoption is, this needs to be completed. We won’t get to that unless there is a court decision,” said Wilson.

While the animals will not be available for adoption, eventually they will need foster homes. Wilson said that could take a while as the animals still need all of their proper veterinary care, and they need to process all of them into the system. When that is finished, they will review foster applications.

“There’s going to be a whole process to make sure they are going into better homes, adequate homes. We don’t want to send them into a situation like where they just came out from,” said Wilson.

The Logan County Humane Society of Kentucky is asking people in the area to come volunteer their time to help them around the shelter. They are also seeking monetary donations via PayPal (@LCHSKY) and CashApp ($LCHSKY). There is also an ongoing Facebook fundraiser, but Wilson said it takes quite some time before the shelter will get the money from that, which is why he is suggesting PayPal and CashApp to help them with more immediate needs.