At the end of July, we aided in a massive and heartbreaking rescue dubbed “Operation Skin and Bones” in Newton County, Mississippi, where dozens of dogs had been abandoned to suffer and die by their alleged rescuers. While many didn’t survive, more than 70 are now getting a second chance at life thanks to a community that came together to save them with your support.

A tip from concerned citizens led Newton County officials to a horrifying scene at Second Paw Dog Rescue, where the dogs had been left for days without food or water. They immediately called us for help, and we were joined by several groups that stepped up in response, including Animal Rescue Corps and the BISSELL Pet Foundation.

What we found was far worse than dogs who had been left for a few days; they had been suffering for quite some time.

Our Justice for Animals Senior Campaigner Doll Stanley was on the scene, and though she’s handled literally hundreds of rescue and cruelty cases over the span of more than three decades in Mississippi, she called this case one of the most surreal and traumatizing — there were decaying bodies and bones everywhere she looked. More than a dozen dead and decomposing bodies were found around the property, including some who had been left to die trapped helplessly in cages.

With the clock ticking and the lives of 76 surviving dogs hanging in the balance, our dedicated rescue partners prioritized which dogs required urgent medical care due to severe injuries and illnesses and began the painstaking process of transporting them to safety. It's clear that the road to recovery for these animals will be long and challenging, but it's one we must walk together.

Dozens had been left loose, tethered, and in cages. On a separate property, another 35 dogs were found running around loose with many inside a trailer that was filled with trash, feces, and urine. Ten pups were found deceased and bagged. Two dogs and one puppy were immediately euthanized on-site because nothing could be done to save them. The survivors had been left starving and dehydrated in filth, had fleas and ticks, illnesses and injuries; many tethered dogs had dental problems, likely from trying to chew themselves to freedom.

The key to rescuing and rehabilitating these dogs lies in our hands. Every donation, no matter the amount, can make a significant impact by supporting rescue efforts. We become the beacon of hope for these suffering animals, granting them the chance at a life they were cruelly denied.

We’re especially grateful at this time for our monthly sustainers who have ensured we have the financial means readily available to act swiftly and save lives in real time, bringing hope to animals desperately clinging to existence.

The owners of this supposed rescue have been arrested and charged with animal cruelty, and we will be following this case and supporting their full prosecution through our Justice for Animals campaign. We understand that people can become overwhelmed, but when dealing with the lives of others, it’s important to be extremely careful. People who wish to start sanctuaries must start small and behave responsibly around finances and prioritize appropriately.

Together, we can make a difference and provide these innocent dogs with the love, care, and justice they deserve. As we stand united, we can turn this tragedy into a tale of resilience, hope, and the unyielding determination to protect and uplift every vulnerable life we can.

Please consider making a donation today or becoming a monthly sustainer to support these and other precious survivors on their journey to recovery. Your generosity will forever transform their lives, and your love will be the beacon that guides them from despair to hope. Together, let us stand as advocates for change, inspiring a world where no animals are abandoned, and rescuers are never haunted by such heartbreaking scenes again.