20 Animals Rescued From Pacific Grove Home In Apparent Hoarding Case

PACIFIC GROVE (CBS SF) -- The SPCA of Monterey County rescued 14 dogs, four puppies and two cats on Wednesday from a Pacific Grove home where they were locked into three small, filthy rooms in an apparent case of animal hoarding.

The house was dangerous cluttered with clothing, trash and garbage, and the rooms containing the 18 animals had such a strong stench of ammonia from their urine that humane society officers had difficulty breathing and required protective equipment, according to Beth Brookhouser, a spokeswoman for the SPCA.

The house, which is listed as a historic home, has been decalred uninhabitable, Brookhouser said.

The animals are being treated for fleas, eye discharge, ear infections, hair loss, dental disease, eye trauma, overgrown toenails and lack of care. Two of the dogs are pregnant and many are not spayed or neutered.

The SPCA is investigating and expects to refer the case to the district attorney for possible charges of animal neglect, Brookhouser said.