27 Pets Found Dead Inside MI Home, Another 64 Rescued: Police

FLINT TOWNSHIP, MI — Officials removed ninety-one animals from a Michigan home that was filled with "overwhelming filth" and "toxic air" on Tuesday, according to police.

That included 61 live dogs and three cats, while 26 other dogs and one cat were found dead inside the Flint Township home, according to police.

Police said officers had to work in shifts to remove the pets because ammonia readings inside the home tested at hazardous levels. The air burned the eyes and lungs, police said.

The living animals were fearful and ran and hid from the officers. They were found in an environment surrounded by piles of feces, rotting furniture and poor air quality, police said.

The dead animals were found in trash bags left by the front door "as if they were garbage waiting to be taken out," police said.

"This was not a temporary lapse in judgment. Conditions like this do not happen overnight," the Police Department said on Facebook. "This was prolonged suffering. We documented everything and removed every living animal through conditions that were physically revolting and emotionally draining, because those animals had no one else in that moment."

It's unclear whether any humans were living in the home or whether any charges will be filed. The living animals were moved to the Genesee County Animal Control, which is now in "crisis mode," the agency said on social media.

The agency is asking for donations through the Shelter Animal Donations nonprofit. They said all proceeds will go toward food, medical needs and supplies.

"Death showed no mercy to these animals, taking both puppies and adults," officials with the Genesee County Animal Control posted on Facebook. "They were born into a life they never asked for and left this world without knowing the love, care, and happiness they were all so deserving of. Rest in peace, sweet babies."