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A Tennessee woman who authorities say had more than 200 animals inside her home has been charged with animal cruelty.

News outlets report all animals had been taken away by Friday afternoon from the home of Caroline Adkins in Pikeville. More than 160 dogs and more than 40 cats were reportedly on the property.

Karen McMeekin of A Time 4 Paws Rescue in Crossville says she received an anonymous tip about the house Monday. Bledsoe County Sheriff's Office Detective George Hodge says a veterinarian was called to the home and determined the animals needed to be removed.

Animal rescue groups in Tennessee, Georgia, North Carolina and Oklahoma are taking in some of the dogs and cats.

It's unclear whether Adkins had an attorney who could comment on her behalf.


The Atlanta Humane Society took in about 33 of the dogs. They are asking anyone who would like to financially contribute to help the dogs to go to atlantahumane.org.