30 Abused Dogs seized

Investigators found the animals locked in the home of Linda Dover. They launched their investigation of her months ago. She's now charged with several counts of animal cruelty.

The Bledsoe Humane Society took the dogs but didn't have room to keep them so the Knoxville shelter stepped in to help.

Workers at the Knoxville shelter say the dogs are suffering from malnutrition, infections and serious skin diseases.

Knoxville rescue Director Vicky Crosetti says the dogs are now on the long road to recovery. "These animals were definitely in danger of losing their lives, if left in the condition they were found in. We're working with them to keep them socialized and happy and eventually, they'll be spayed and neutered and placed as pets."

Crosetti, who has 14 years of service with the society, says this is one of the worst cases of animal cruelty she's seen. "There was a lack of cleanliness for the animals. They're suffering from mange, worms, horrific fleas and ticks."

The Humane Society of the United States is still investigating the case. They say there could be more arrests in the near future.

Of the rescued dogs, 12 were put to sleep with serious injuries. Twenty-one dogs are at the Humane Society of the Tennessee Valley recovering. They'll be under close watch over the next couple of days. Veterinarians at UT have examined them.

If you'd like to donate to the Humane Society of the Tennessee Valley or find out how to adopt one of the abused animals, call (865)-573-9675 or visit the web site http://www.humanesocietytennessee.com