LEXINGTON, Ky. – A response to an animal abuse report is now a death investigation after an owner was found dead.
According to Lexington-Fayette Animal Care and Control, its team arrived on scene Thursday and could not make contact with the owner of several horses.
Rescuers say they began caring for the horses themselves and discovered 14 dogs, some of which were tied to a tree or running loose.
The team says it chose immediately to bring the dogs to the shelter for care.
The team says it later contacted the Lexington Police Department to help find the owner after it “became clear something was seriously wrong.”
Rescuers say the owner was later found dead.
Without the animal neglect call, rescuers say multiple animals may not have survived.
Rescuers say animal control officers helped ensure all of the animals remained safe while the owner was missing.
Further details have not been released at this time.
