BENEWAH COUNTY, ID — Idaho Animal Rescue Network and several partner organizations rescued 38 dogs and assisted with six horses during a large-scale animal welfare operation in Benewah County this week.

The rescue effort followed reports of a breeding situation that had become unmanageable for elderly property owners. Teams from Idaho Animal Rescue Network, Horse & Halo, SpokAnimal C.A.R.E., and Lemhi County Humane Society spent the day removing animals, grooming severely matted dogs, providing emergency care, and transporting animals from what rescuers described as unsanitary conditions.

The rescued animals were primarily doodle mixes and German Shepherds. Many require extensive veterinary treatment and grooming after years of neglect.

Veterinary staff from Washington State University’s College of Veterinary Medicine provided medical assessments, vaccinations, hydration support, and transport health certificates. According to the veterinary team, the dogs’ body condition scores ranged from 1 to 3 out of 9, indicating many were severely underweight.

“Our team was happy to be available to help give these animals the care and support they needed to improve their quality of life and to support the shelters that are helping to take them in,” said Dr. Cassidy Cordon of WSU’s College of Veterinary Medicine.

The Idaho Humane Society has also agreed to take several of the rescued dogs despite recently responding to another large-scale animal welfare case in Ada County.

Rescuers discovered 10 deceased dogs on the property in addition to the 38 live animals removed.

Jenna Redheart, director of Idaho Animal Rescue Network, thanked partner organizations, volunteers, and donors who helped make the operation possible.

The rescued animals are now receiving veterinary care and rehabilitation while rescue groups work to place them in foster and adoptive homes. Idaho Animal Rescue Network said the case also highlights ongoing concerns about animal hoarding and neglect cases across the state.