Nearly 100 Pregnant Dogs, Puppies And Animals Rescued From ‘Deplorable’ Florida Home

About 100 animals including pregnant dogs, puppies, rabbits, chickens and pigs were rescued from a Florida home following several weeks of investigation, officials said.

The investigation started after paramedics were called to a residence in Middleburg for a medical emergency involving one of the two adults living in the house.

Clay County Sheriff Michelle Cook said a search warrant was served at the property, which was in "deplorable condition," early Monday.

"We were not really able to get a full look at what else existed beyond the interior of the house when we had the medical call," Cook said, according to The Florida Times-Union. "So now deputies are having a look at the entire property to see if there is any potential animal abuse or neglect. It was a concern enough when they responded to the medical call."

Officials said the home reeked of animal waste and was filled with fleas. The animals were found in cages, added the police.

"They observed conditions that rose to the level that required additional investigation," Cook said to Associated Press.

Due to the deplorable condition inside the house, investigators and rescue officials had to wear biohazard suits to remove the animals from the property.

"This operation will have many phases to it, with the first and foremost priority being the safety and security of our responders, staff, and animals," emergency management director John Ward said, The Florida Times-Union reported. "We have taken thorough precautions to protect responders from any hazardous substances on the property."

The rescued animals were taken to a service facility for cleaning and checkup. All the animals will be quarantined at the facility for 14 days to determine if they have any diseases, following which they will be put up for adoption.

At a news conference held on Monday, commission chairman Mike Cella said they will not tolerate animal neglect in Clay County.

A joint investigation by the sheriff's office and animal services are being conducted to determine if the animals were abused.

According to the sheriff’s office, the adult who suffered from a medical emergency was transported to a hospital and has since died of natural causes. The Florida Department of Children and Families has been called to investigate the situation after two children were found living in the home.