Dozens of Animals Seized in ‘Extreme’ Hoarding Case
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Jupiterimages/Thinkstock(MARICOPA, Ariz.) — Ninety-three dogs and five exotic birds were seized from a private residence in Maricopa, Ariz., in what officials called an “extreme” case of animal hoarding.
“The floors were covered in fecal matter. There was a soiled mattress with exposed springs that the owners were sleeping on. At some point there was a fire at the site and there was a hole in the roof that had a tarp over it,” Heather Murphy, spokesperson for Pinal County told ABC News. “It was the most awful living conditions I have ever seen.”
Officials received an anonymous tip on Tuesday and began removing the animals from the home and placing them in a shelter, which is now running over capacity.
“The immediate crisis we’re in now is we have to house all of the animals. They have to be checked by a vet before they can be placed for adoption,” Murphy said.
After each of the animals is examined by a veterinarian, the findings will be passed along to the county attorney, who will make a determination regarding whether the owners will face animal cruelty charges
“Some of them looked to be in pretty good shape, health wise,” Murphy said. “We hope we can make the adoptable and place them in great homes.”
Copyright 2012 ABC News Radio