Authorities reportedly discovered 11 puppies and one dog dead in a freezer at a Canton, Texas, puppy mill—the same place they also seized 60 dogs.
The Dallas Morning News reported that members of the SPCA of Texas, along with Van Zandt County deputies and constables, found many of the dogs stored in feces-filled crates without food or water. They reportedly located nursing mothers with their offspring in small cages in a closet located in another room.
In a news release, the animal-rescue group said other dogs “roamed the urine-soaked, feces-filled house with little to no access to food or water.”
KTVT reported that the 12 dead dogs found in the kitchen freezer were individually wrapped in plastic.
SPCA investigators were reportedly informed about alleged animal cruelty at an apparent puppy mill on March 1. However, the organization said it was originally unable to make contact with the owners. It wasn’t until Tuesday that investigators gained access to the property and saw the deplorable conditions firsthand.
According to informey.com, the ammonia levels at the Canton residence were measured at 22 parts per million (ppm).
“As a point of reference, short-term exposure to any ammonia level over 20 ppm or long-term exposure to any level over 12 ppm can cause health problems in humans,” the release said.
The dogs rescued from the home are being treated for a slew of medical issues, including fur loss, eye issues, ear issues, and matted fur. The dogs were transported to Russell E. Dealey Animal Rescue Center in Dallas, where they’ll remain until a March 23 custody hearing.
[Featured Image: SPCA of Texas]