Authorities rescued 21 dogs of varying breeds and sizes from an Ontario home where they were being severely neglected in deplorable conditions, officials said Wednesday.
Multiple neighbors had complained a stench coming from a house on the 3800 block of Antelope Creek Drive could be smelled across the street, and they believed several dogs were living there in inhumane conditions, the Inland Valley Humane Society and Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals said.
Ontario police assisted animal officials in searching the property, where they say they found the dogs extremely malnourished with no food or clean water available. The pooches resorted to eating small tree branches to sustain themselves, authorities said.
The owner forfeited all the animals on the property, officials said.
The dogs range in age from roughly 1 to 13 years old, and most of them appear to have Labrador and spaniel heritage.
Veterinary staff was examining each pup to determine the immediate care needed. Once they’ve recovered from their “traumatic living conditions,” they’ll be put up for adoption, the humane society said.
The dogs are expected to need special care once adopted due to their history of neglect.
For more information, contact the Inland Valley Humane Society at info@ivhsspca.org or 909-623-9777.