When deputies arrived at the residence with a search warrant, they found 30 dogs living in poor conditions and showing signs of extreme malnourishment.
While on scene, deputies also located what appeared to be an illegal marijuana-growing operation and obtained another search warrant.
Deputies took all of the dogs from the residence to a secure location to be evaluated by a veterinarian.
The owner of the residence, Jerry Krebs, 65, could be charged with up to 30 counts of animal cruelty and possible additional charges of manufacturing and trafficking in marijuana.
Krebs has not been arrested yet as the investigation is still ongoing.
“The Canyon County Sheriff’s Office takes these types of cases very seriously," said Canyon County Sheriff's Office Chief Deputy Kieran Donahue.
"Owning and/or management of animals carries a deliberate personal responsibility to care for them. If a person is unable to do so there are many options available including giving the animals away, selling them or humanely euthanizing them. If people choose to violate the animal cruelty laws of this state, we will investigate these cases and push for prosecution to the fullest extent of the law.”
UPDATE TO STORY:
"Caldwell man arrested, charged with manufacturing marijuana, 30 counts of animal cruelty"
A southwestern Idaho man who showed up at the Canyon County Animal Shelter to check on 30 dogs seized from his home at the same time police were at the shelter holding a news conference about the case was taken into custody on suspicion of growing and selling marijuana.
(Idaho Statesman - Dec 21, 2012)
