HARTSVILLE, TN – The Hartsville-Trousdale County Animal Shelter has recently highlighted a disturbing trend of animal cruelty and abandonment in the region. The latest incident involved the discovery of three young Labrador retriever puppies, suspected to be from the same litter, found under the Carter Branch Road bridge in Hartsville. Despite the challenging circumstances, all three puppies were fortunately rescued and are now safe at the shelter, as reported by volunteer Michelle Dallman.

According to shelter director Rebecca Troutt, cases of animal abandonment are not uncommon in Trousdale County, indicating a troubling pattern that needs to be addressed. Troutt emphasized that dumping animals is illegal in Tennessee, and those responsible can face charges of animal abandonment and cruelty. She suggested that some of the dumped animals may be coming from neighboring areas like Lafayette, seeking the resources and assistance offered by the no-kill shelter in Trousdale County.

Troutt stressed the importance of responsible pet ownership in reducing the prevalence of unwanted pets and subsequent abandonment. She mentioned the availability of spay and neuter programs, such as Fix Trousdale and Macon County Spay Neuter Assistance, which provide financial assistance to pet owners. In addition to abandonment laws, Tennessee also has a leash law in place, requiring pet owners to keep their animals within their property boundaries.

The shelter director urged individuals who find themselves unable to care for a litter of puppies to surrender them appropriately to shelters rather than setting them loose to fend for themselves. She noted that dogs rely on humans for support and protection and face numerous dangers when abandoned, including being hit by cars, contracting diseases, or falling prey to predators. Properly surrendering animals ensures their safety and well-being.

For residents in Trousdale and Macon Counties seeking information on spaying or neutering their pets, the Hartsville-Trousdale County Animal Shelter, Fix-Trousdale, and Macon County Spay-Neuter Assistance are available resources to contact. It is crucial for pet owners to understand their responsibilities and take proactive steps to prevent animal cruelty and abandonment in the community.