Paula Whitt was arrested and charged with 55 counts of aggravated animal cruelty, the JCSO said.

DANDRIDGE, Tenn. (WVLT) – A Jefferson County woman who told people she was helping care for dogs is charged with 55 counts of animal cruelty after 68 dogs were stolen from her home Monday.

Paula Whitt was arrested on Monday and charged with meth possession and numerous counts of animal cruelty.

Previous reporting: More than 60 dogs kidnapped from Jefferson County nonprofit, woman charged with animal cruelty

“Some of the dogs and their markings suggested they were fighting over food,” said Jefferson County Sheriff Jeff Coffey.

According to Coffey, there have been several complaints about Whitt's house on Argonnia Lane, but there has always been water and food for the dogs.

Just Monday, a visibly malnourished dog was spotted on the property. According to Coffey, that prompted investigators and animal control to come to the home, make an arrest and remove 68 dogs from the home.

“They were so dirty, some had mucus in their eyes and were terrified of being touched,” said Mandy Rush, who now helps care for some of the rescued dogs.

Sheriff Coffey said Whitt is the owner of a 501c3 nonprofit organization called A Life 2go2 Rescue, which serves as a one-stop shop for the adoption and care of dogs.

“It's just pathetic that she's in this business,” said neighbor David Blakely.

Coffey said he is still trying to figure out what Whitt was planning to do with starting the nonprofit, but it is clear to him that the donations she has accepted in recent weeks have not been used to help the dogs in her care.

“I'm trying to find out how much money she actually got and where the money went. Because it obviously didn't go towards the dog's food and basic supplies,” Coffey said.

The 68 dogs were all of different breeds and while most of them are expected to survive, Coffey said there are some that are unlikely to make it due to the extent of the neglect.

Coffey said they are now trying to track what the donations were spent on.

Companion Animal Rescue & Education and Sevier Animal Care Center have taken in the dogs and are asking for donations to cover the dog's veterinary care.

Whitt is also charged with possession of meth and drug paraphernalia.

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