Officials raided a hoarder house in Southern California where over 40 dogs were discovered inside.
Riverside County Animal Services responded to a home in the 88000 block of Avenue 61 in Thermal on July 11.
Crews discovered over 40 dogs at the home, with around 20 dogs that were found dead. The homeowner had reportedly left the property and the canines completely unattended.
Some dogs were roaming around freely while others were found in crates or confined to rooms
The property was overrun with trash and debris and the home’s interior was filled with immense clutter and a strong urine odor, crews said. Temperatures at the property had reached triple digits.
The 20 dogs who were still alive were transported to the Coachella Valley Animal Campus in Thousand Palms for treatment. Most of the dogs were found in very poor condition and many were emaciated and weak, veterinary staff said.
Animal service workers said the discovery was “one of the worst they’ve seen in years.”
“Awful, just awful,” said Deputy Director Jackie Schart, who oversees shelter operations. “These dogs are so weak, so emaciated, so starved. There were dogs in crates with dead dogs. Just terrible.”
Volunteers and rescue partners were asked to help foster and care for the dogs as the shelter was overcrowded — they had over 200 dogs on site but only 84 kennel runs.
County officials later confirmed the homeowner had been hospitalized in critical condition and may not survive.
“A situation like this usually rises to the level of animal cruelty for serious neglect,” officials said. “However, it’s unlikely Animal Services will pursue cruelty charges because the dog owner has been hospitalized.”
The incident remains under investigation.
Animals that are available to adopt from Riverside County animal shelters can be found here.