Rescued dogs safe from euthanasia in Garrard County

LANCASTER, Ky. (ABC36 NEWS NOW) – Dozens of dogs rescued from a Garrard County home last week have been spared from being put down, thanks to the support of the local community. The Garrard County Animal Shelter shared the positive update on Facebook, expressing gratitude to everyone who stepped up to adopt and foster the animals.

The dogs were rescued from a home on Royalty Drive in Lancaster last Thursday. The shelter initially announced on Friday that it might have to euthanize the animals due to the overwhelming number of dogs brought in. However, the outpouring of support from the community has made it possible to find homes for the dogs.

According to the Garrard County Sheriff’s Office, nearly 80 dogs were found living in deplorable conditions, along with the remains of other animals in a state of decay. The suspect, 64-year-old Dennis Kirkpatrick, has been charged with animal torture and 62 counts of animal cruelty. Kirkpatrick is scheduled for arraignment Monday.