18 Dogs Saved From 'Horrid Conditions': RivCo Animal Cruelty Case

RIVERSIDE COUNTY, CA — More than a dozen dogs were seized from a Riverside County residence where they were confined to enclosures filled with feces and mud, suffering eye problems and other maladies, leaving one canine in dire need of veterinary care, authorities said Tuesday.

"These dogs were left in absolutely shameful conditions," Riverside County Department of Animal Services Director Rob Miller said.

According to agency spokesman John Welsh, 18 dogs were discovered Monday at the residence in Jurupa Valley after a concerned homeowner reported that an animal at the property had been attacked and injured by the other canines. Animal control officers first located the 7-year-old female terrier mix with wounds that required immediate attention.

"Officer Tiffany Fuller was given permission to view the situation from the property of the concerned resident," Welsh said in a news release. "Officer Fuller noticed the injured terrier and then attempted to make contact with the property owner. She was unsuccessful in making contact."

Ultimately, the animal control officer contacted her supervisors and told them about "five other dogs that were living in horrid conditions" she had witnessed, Welsh said. Two animal control sergeants responded to the scene and the team searched the property, which revealed 17 other dogs crammed into cages and having to sleep and eat in their own excrement.

"One of the dogs had mud caked in its eyes so badly -- it was the worst such case I've seen in my career," veterinarian Karen Moreland said.

Some of the dogs had mud and feces embedded in their coats. Welsh said veterinary technicians medicated, washed and trimmed the fur on the canines.

The resident of the property and dogs' presumed owner could not be immediately located, but animal control officers and sheriff's deputies were trying to identify the person.

There are plans to submit an animal cruelty case to the District Attorney's Office, according to Welsh.

He said that because they are "confiscated pets," none of the dogs are available for adoption at this time.+

— City News Service contributed to this report / Images courtesy of the Riverside County Department of Animal Services