Natalie Neysa Alund

nalund@tennessean.com

Metro police say 41 dogs living in deplorable condItions were removed from a self-described no-kill shelter in Nashville at the request of the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Tuesday.

The move came when officials executed a warrant Tuesday morning at Happy Endings Animal Rescue, a self-described no-kill dog rescue eight miles north of Nashville, said Rebecca Morris spokesperson for Metro Animal Care and Control.

The shelter's owner — David Joseph Gosselin, also known as Cody — was arrested on animal cruelty charges. Gosselin, 61, was booked into the Metro jail about 9:30 a.m. and released shortly after posting a $10,000 bond.

The seizure comes on the heels of a slew of public complaints about conditions at the shelter, which ASPCA officials say has been operating for 19 years,

Officials say the dogs — including Chow, Pit Bull, Shepherd mixes and other medium to large breed dogs — were living in feces and filth inside an overcrowded house and outdoor kennels. One room alone held 22 dogs, with feces covering the floor. The dogs were suffering from medical issues including emaciation, dental disease and severe hair loss. Some were not spayed or neutered and had no access to food or water.

“What we found here is horrific,” said Kathryn Destreza, investigations director for the ASPCA. “This facility claimed to be a safe place for animals, but the truth is these dogs were suffering greatly, both physically and mentally. Our immediate goal is to get them much-needed medical attention at our temporary shelter.”

As of Tuesday afternoon, ASPCA workers were removing and transporting the dogs to a temporary shelter in an undisclosed location, where they will receive medical exams and behavioral assessments. The ASPCA will continue to care for the dogs at the temporary shelter until their custody is determined by the court.

“We are pleased that the animals will be receiving the necessary medical care and attention they deserve," Morris said.

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