Reported Just Since September—7 Cases of Animals Suffering at Self-Proclaimed Rescues

A national crisis is erupting in full view: News reports are pouring in about self-proclaimed “rescues” that are stockpiling animals by the dozens or even hundreds in filth and misery.

That was what happened to the nearly 300 animals who authorities found in “extremely poor conditions” at In the Woods Animal Rescue, a self-professed “rescue” that was really an animal hoarding operation.  

The epidemic of self-professed rescues turned animal-hoarding hellholes is on the rise, and each time authorities discover another case, it means adding more animals in need to already overburdened animal shelters.

“[What the animals experienced is] simply not acceptable …We need stronger standards and real accountability when it comes to animal welfare.” –RJ Bailot, executive director of the Canadian Animal Task Force

In most areas, no regulations require “rescue” operators to provide animals with anything beyond minimal veterinary care, food, water, and shelter. Countless groups provide only the bare minimum of legally required care, and conditions must rise to the level of criminal cruelty or neglect before law-enforcement officials can even begin to act.

Cases like this one—where animals are warehoused and neglected, betrayed by the people claiming to help them—are more common than you’d think. Instances of animal hoarding at “rescues” surface every single week and across North America. Because many cases go unreported, it’s impossible to know how many animals are suffering in these disgusting circumstances around the world. Below are just a few of the many instances of deplorable hoarding and neglect by self-professed animal “rescues” where authorities intervened between September and October 2025 alone:

1. More Than 50 Cats Found ‘in Poor Condition’ at 4 Paws Rescue Foundation

Authorities in Calabasas, CA, arrested Kaleen Farrell, the apparent operator of a self-proclaimed animal “rescue” doing business as 4 Paws Rescue Foundation. During a welfare check, officers found more than 50 suffering cats and the dead bodies of many others.  

2. 129 Dogs Found at Outreach Pawsabilities ‘Rescue’

In Utah, law enforcement charged Kimberly Mikesell, the owner of the self-professed “rescue” Outreach Pawsabilities, with four counts of cruelty to animals and a felony count of forgery, among other charges. Responding to complaints about overcrowding and neglect, animal control officers discovered a staggering 129 dogs crammed inside her home, garages, and yard. Many sat in stacked kennels, some of which lacked access to food or water. Officers described finding dogs in filthy kennels with barely enough room to move.

3. 150 Animals Suffered at an Unofficial ‘Rescue’ in Hamblen County, Tennessee

Authorities seized more than 150 animals from a residence where two women claimed to have been “rescuing” animals, but were really forcing them to live in squalor. Officers said the stench of feces and ammonia hit them before they even entered the home. Among the animals were dozens of dogs, a goat, quails, ducks, chickens, rabbits, and several cats, some of whom lived inside the stench-filled home, while others were left outside.

4. 67 Cats Found Warehoused at C.A.T.S. Bridge to Rescue Inc.

Bensalem, PA, authorities seized 67 cats and kittens from self-professed animal “rescue” C.A.T.S. Bridge to Rescue Inc., a partner of Best Friends Animal Society. Authorities found the cats in an “unlicensed warehouse,” and many of the cats rescued were extremely thin and suffering from illnesses like upper respiratory infections and severe diarrhea. They were also covered in fleas and ear mites. Margaret Vautard, described as the group’s director, reportedly admitted to the poor conditions, and the investigation is ongoing.

5. Pets and Wildlife Sanctuaries Inc.

Officers found 49 cats, 42 dogs, and seven small animals inside a cramped townhome that self-professed rescue Pets and Wildlife Sanctuaries Inc. used as its headquarters. Reports state that urine and feces coated almost every surface of the home. When authorities arrived, they found one cat unresponsive, and the feline died while on the way to a veterinary hospital. Two other cats and one dog died following their removal from the home due to their grave medical conditions, and several other animals needed emergency medical care. Authorities condemned the residence and charged the owner of the business, Mark Ptomey, with 64 counts of cruelty to animals. He is prohibited from owning or possessing animals while the case proceeds.

6. Barton’s Animal Rescue Continued to Operate Despite Warnings

During multiple inspections of Barton’s Animal Rescue, officials discovered more than a dozen dogs and several cats on the property—far more than the group was legally allowed to keep—and noted that the “rescue” continued to take more animals in despite several warnings. In total, authorities issued 16 citations for neglect and failure to provide legally required rabies vaccinations. With a search warrant, responders later removed 11 dogs from the site.

7. 65 Emaciated Dogs and Other Animals Living in Trash

Authorities seized 65 dogs, two ducks, two pigs, and three ponies from a self-professed rescue in Gatesville, TX. The dogs were apparently housed in feces-covered crates and enclosures filled with “mountains of trash,” and many were so thin that their ribs, hips, and spines were visible through their fur.

Help Protect Animals From Hoarding Hell

Please contact your state and local legislators and urge them to introduce legislation that requires all animal “rescue” groups be regulated and regularly inspected. Never assume that someone calling themselves a “rescuer” is acting in animals’ best interests. Ask questions, demand transparency, and always trust your instincts. If a group seems secretive, overcrowded, or evasive, report it to authorities.