Over 40 Beagles Forced To Live In 'Filthy Conditions' Rescued From Cleveland Home

More than 40 beagles that were found living in "filthy conditions" at a residence in Cleveland, Ohio, were rescued Monday.

Officers responded to a residence on the 1600 block of Waterbury Road in Lakewood after receiving multiple complaints in the past about dogs barking and strong odors emanating from the house. The homeowner let the police in, who then discovered dozens of neglected dogs living in an unhygienic environment, News5Cleveland reported.

"After conducting numerous investigations at numerous times of the house, writing reports, we were able to obtain a search warrant yesterday," Lakewood Police Capt. Gary Stone told the outlet.

Stone supervised the removal of the dogs from the house and placed them in animal shelters at Lakewood and Rocky River, as per Cleveland.com.

"I could tell they were not being cared for. They were living in filthy conditions," Stone said.

According to authorities, the house was unfit for even human habitation due to the unsanitary conditions. The identity of the owner was not revealed by officials.

"Dogs should not have to live in conditions like they were living and thank goodness we got all of them out and most of them are alive," he told FOX8. "I don't know what the future holds for some of them."

Neighbors expressed concern about the strong odors and barking of dogs from the residence, noting that they had no idea the owner was hoarding several dogs inside.

"Initially, I just thought it was somebody breeding and just not keeping dogs properly, but I think ultimately when it comes down to it, there's an underlying mental health condition probably that's happening, even if they do love the dogs too much," neighbor Bethany Roebuck told the outlet.

While the dogs still belong to the owner, they will be eventually put up for adoption. Stone said they were waiting for a legal ruling before the dogs can be transferred to foster homes.

"We're very, very overtaxed here but we're doing our best to deal with this situation one day at a time," he added.

Meanwhile, the case has been referred to prosecutors for review of possible charges.