17/07/2025
What started as a call about horses without water quickly turned into a missing person investigation.
When our team arrived and couldn’t reach the owner—someone we’d come to know—we began caring for the horses on-site ourselves. During the investigation, we also discovered 14 dogs: some tied up in a car, one tied to a tree, and others running loose on the property. We made the immediate decision to bring all the dogs to the shelter for care.
As it became clear something was seriously wrong, we contacted the Lexington Police Department to assist in locating the owner.
Sadly, the owner was later found deceased. Without that initial animal neglect call, many of her animals might not have survived.
Thanks to the fast response and dedication of our Animal Control Officers, all animals remained safe and received the care they needed during the days she was missing.
Many people don’t realize that Animal Control Officers are first responders —often the first to enter homes where someone is down, deceased, or in crisis, with animals still loyally guarding them.
We’re incredibly grateful for the call that helped save these animals—and for the officers who never hesitate to step up and serve with compassion.
