70 dogs rescued from Wabash Valley Home

GREEN COUNTY, Ind. (WTHI) - Around 70 dogs are rescued from a Wabash Valley home Wednesday.

Officials removed the dogs and puppies from a mobile home in Greene County, Ind. after receiving a tip.

The dogs were living in cramped, unsanitary conditions.

There is a variety of breeds, sizes and ages among the 70 dogs.

All of the dogs were well fed but they suffer from flea infestations, intestinal parasites and a lack of preventative care.

The mobile home had chain-link pens built in to contain some of the dogs.

Others were outside running free or contained on two small fenced decks.

The owners say they intended to start an animal shelter.

They say many of the dogs were dropped off at their property, but they also took in strays.

Officials say the owners are what they call "mission driven hoarders."

"Well it's truly a belief that nobody can love these animals as much as they do, so they don't want to part with them," said Anne Sterling with the Indiana Humane Society. "They have a huge emotional attachment as all of us who own animals do, but theirs is just kind of out of check."

The dogs are now being evaluated and given any necessary immediate medical attention.

The 70 dogs will remain at a temporary shelter until they are ready to be transported to other shelters in and out of the state.