The Blount County Animal Shelter is having problems with space after six people were charged after nearly three dozen animals were rescued from harmful freezing conditions last week.

12 dogs and 13 cats rescued after responders say several dogs were tied up or in cages outside while it was 25 degrees. The six were charged with several counts of animal cruelty and in addition to dogs and cats, the shelter also took in ferrets, rats and ducks. The state also seized two horses from the property.

Ronald Crow, Director of the Shelter, says “We’re going to have these animals, these 35, for a long time,” said Ronald Crow, the shelter’s director. “We can’t adopt these animals out. They’re part of a criminal case, so we’re in charge of their care and custody.”

Crow said the shelter has capacity for 50 kennels in the back for large dogs. He said the rescue put them significantly over that number, adding that several animals are double or triple housed just to accommodate them. The dogs and cats also had to be housed in their own area as a precaution in case they have an illness.

To help combat the space issue, Crow said the shelter has reached out to its transport partners, rescues and foster teams to help make room. He also said adoption rates have been reduced.

“We’ve moved [adoption rates] down to $50 for all dogs and $20 for cats just in an effort to move some of these animals out and give us room for this influx,” Crow said.

Crow says the easiest way to help the shelter is to foster or adopt an animal.