OGDEN, Utah (KTVX) — Over 150 dogs were rescued from a home in Ogden, Utah, where they were reportedly living in “extremely poor and overcrowded” conditions, according to the Ogden Police Department.
Lt. Will Farr with the Ogden Police Department said they responded to the home Tuesday after receiving a report of possible animal neglect. Upon arrival, the Ogden PD said officers rescued a total of 152 dogs.
All of the dogs were transferred to Weber County Animal Services. Lt. Farr said the animals are currently receiving veterinary care and evaluations.
The police did not provide any additional details of their investigation, including who had owned the home where the dogs were found.
Locals who spoke with Nexstar’s KTVX said they saw police and animal control officers entering the home, and later bringing out dog after dog.
“I think that was the most gut-wrenching part, was to see them,” Lisa Peterson said, “because you could read their body language and their faces, and you’d know what they had seen.”
Rachel Toone, an animal control supervisor with Weber County, had some of the same takeaways after assisting with the rescues.
“There’s really nothing that can prepare you for it,” Toone said. “It’s definitely an emotional toll, because you can see that the animals have never really had any difference. That was their whole life, to them.”
Peterson also said she believes the owners of the home should be jailed.
The dogs are currently unavailable for adoption as they undergo medical treatment, but interested animal lovers are being told to check with Weber County Animal Services around April 21.
“Community members interested in adopting are encouraged to monitor Weber County Animal Services for updates on availability and adoption procedures,” Lt. Farr said in a press release.
Weber County Animal Services also asked the public to not “overwhelm” its shelter with calls, but rather to wait for further announcements. Those wishing to help sooner are encouraged to donate to the agency.
An investigation into the case is currently ongoing.