More than 200 Chihuahuas removed from Pa. home

[July 20, 2012]  HARRISBURG, Pa. (AP) -- More than 200 Chihuahuas have been removed from what officials are calling unsanitary conditions in a central Pennsylvania home.

The state Agriculture Department said late Thursday that dog wardens cooperating with state police executed a search warrant at the home in Benton, in Columbia County, after receiving numerous tips.

They say many of the dogs were sick and numerous dead dogs were found. State police are expected to file animal cruelty charges against the owners.

The dogs are being held at the Pennsylvania Farm Show Complex and Expo Center in Harrisburg and will be transferred to shelters Friday. They will then be treated by veterinarians and evaluated for adoption.

Mike Pechart oversees dog law enforcement activities at the Agriculture Department. He calls it "an unfortunate situation of animal hoarding."

[Associated Press]

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