WARNING: GRAPHIC CONTENT 

Rescue Mission: 31 Lives Saved in Under 24 Hours 

Friday afternoon, they received a call about three puppies living in poor conditions. They planned to head out, vaccinate them, and see what support they could offer. But nothing could have prepared them for what they found.  

When we arrived, it was clear the situation was far worse.  

- Deceased goats lay among the living.  

- Only two pigs remained alive in a filthy pen.  

- Deceased chickens scattered among the rubble.  

- Two dogs were locked inside an RV with no access to the outside.  

And then we reached the shed. Inside were two crates — one with three puppies and their mama, and another with an older pup. All five were completely covered in feces and urine. The smell was overwhelming. Their water was black, their food dishes unusable, and they had no clean space to lay down.  

We got the three puppies out but had to leave the mama and older pup behind, promising them through tears that we would come back for them.

As soon as we had phone service, we called Apache County Sheriff's Office and shared everything — photos, videos, and our full report. Within minutes a deputy called us back and confirmed they were moving to arrest the individual the next day and gave us the green light to remove all animals.  

Saturday morning, with volunteers and trailers ready, we waited as the arrest was made — and then we stepped in. In total, 31 animals were pulled from that nightmare.  

We cannot thank the Apache County Sheriff's Office enough for acting so quickly and making this rescue possible. To the volunteers who dropped everything to help, and to those helping house, bathe, and care for these animals — you are the reason this was possible.

A special thank you to:  

- Michelle's Mountain Grooming for cleaning up the puppies on her Saturday morning off. 

- Lauren and Kaylee at Hector's Hay and Feed for coming in late Saturday night to bathe the mama and older pup  

None of this would’ve happened without this incredible community. Stay tuned for updates on each of the 31 survivors — their healing journey is just beginning.  

They are safe. They are loved. And they are finally free.

UPDATE: All 31 Are Safe and settling in

  All 31 animals are doing great! They’re settling in, adjusting well, and finally experiencing love and safety.  

Once again, none of this would have been possible without the quick response of the Apache County Sheriff's Office. We are so grateful for the amazing deputies who stepped in and made this rescue happen. And all the volunteers and people that stepped up and help find safe places for the animals to go. 

Stay tuned for their stories — the best is yet to come!

ARRESTED: STUART HUTCHINSON

Stuart Hutchinson was booked in Apache county, Arizona for disorderly conduct: weapon/instrument (Felony); misconduct involving weapons (felony); animal cruelty: cruel/mistreat (felony); threatening and intimidating: public inconvenience (misdemeanor)