Animal Rescue Corps has removed 24 surviving animals from a property in rural Chester County, Tennessee, following an urgent request from law enforcement in an animal cruelty case.

The rescue, called Operation FreeFall, began on September 26. ARC removed 12 dogs, 10 cats and kittens, one rabbit and one goat. Many were emaciated, chained or confined in small, dirty enclosures, and investigators found the remains of multiple animals.

One dog, Joleen, was rushed for emergency hospitalisation. She needed a blood transfusion and is being treated for heartworm disease, anaemia, intestinal parasites and severe flea infestation. She is expected to stay in hospital for several more days.

The animals are now receiving veterinary examinations and individualised care. Some will need significant medical attention and rehabilitation before they can be placed with shelter and rescue partners.

Why it matters: the operation shows how rescue teams and law enforcement work together to give neglected animals a second chance.