Two people were arrested in Union County earlier this week after investigators said more than 80 dogs were found in their home.
Ricky and Dawn Dunaway both face two counts of animal cruelty and neglect after the sheriff's office said it responded to a complaint Tuesday of what was believed to be an animal hoarding incident.
The sheriff's office said an animal control officer responded to the home on Gilbert Lane in Maynardville and found 84 dogs living in what she described as 'deplorable conditions'.
The Union County Human Society's executive director says the animals were very heavily flea ridden and some had skin issues. The dogs have now all been vaccinated and treated for worms.
Some of the animals will be available for adoption soon.
"We do have some concerns about behavior. We will select the ones that are ready to go," said Humane Society Executive director Tammy Rouse.
With a sudden influx of 84 animals the shelter is stretched to provide adequate care until they find new homes.
"It puts strain on already strained resources," Rouse said. "Staffing is an issue, a lot of overtime, a lot of hard work goes into this to meet the needs of these animals."
The home where the accused hoarding occurred is on a dead end road. The property is secluded and overgrown. The nearest neighbor said she had no idea so many dogs were just down the road.
Rouse says with spaying and neutering and watchfulness, such situations can be avoided.
"We just encourage everybody to please, please spay and neuter your pets. Encourage your friends and neighbors to spay and neuter and make the law enforcement aware when you think something like this might be going on before it gets to this magnitude," Rouse said.