WASHINGTON COUNTY, Iowa — The Animal Rescue League of Iowa says it participated in removing 47 living and 17 dead dogs from a commercial breeding facility in Washington County last week.

The ARL says its Animal Welfare & Response Team was called in by PAWS & More animal shelter and the Washington County Sheriff’s Office to assist with the rescue. On March 7th, the ARL’s team arrived at the property and found 49 dogs and puppies living in unsanitary conditions across multiple buildings. A veterinarian certified by the state determined the dogs should be removed from the property.

Seventeen dead dogs were also found on the property and the ARL says they were mostly puppies.

The surviving dogs were removed and are being cared for by the ARL and PAWS & More.

The Washington County Sheriff’s Office is investigating the case.

Click here if you’d like to contribute to the ARL for the care of the dogs.