More than 60 dogs seized from a Rockville, Maryland, home on Jan. 1 are in legal custody of the Montgomery County Animal Services Division.
Authorities came to the house in the 13000 block of Glen Mill Road for the first time on Dec. 31, following up on a dog bite case. While there, they began to suspect the presence of many animals, but police said the homeowner didn't cooperate with their requests.
They returned to the home on New Year’s Day at about 6:30 p.m. with a warrant and searched the home. Officials removed 66 dogs and took them to the Montgomery County Animal Services and Adoption Center in Derwood, Maryland.
Several of the dogs required immediate medical attention. Three of the 66 dogs had to be humanely euthanized because they suffered from severe medical conditions that were likely a source of extreme pain.
The rest of the dogs were evaluated, bathed and groomed. The shelter said some of the dogs are ready for adoption while others, about half of the group, will go to rescue partners or other regional shelters that can support the special needs of the dogs.
Because the case is still under investigation, the shelter has not released information about the homeowner or the environment in which the animals were kept. Investigators have not filed charges to date.
