Deputy uses respirator in home with more than 100 animals

CHARLESTON, S.C. (AP) - An incident report says the smell of urine inside the Charleston County house where more than 100 rabbits, cats and dogs were rescued was so overwhelming that a deputy had to use a respirator when inside.

The Post and Courier of Charleston reported (http://bit.ly/1PvsT06) that investigators say in the report released Tuesday that feces was scattered around the house.

The Charleston Animal Society took in 72 rabbits, 32 cats and four dogs that deputies removed Sunday from a home. Shelter Director Joe Elmore says the animals will be ready for adoption in about a week. They will be posted on the group's website, and people can donate to help them.

Elmore is urging prosecution of the animals' owner so she can be forced to undergo treatment and be banned from owning animals.