Police and Animal Services officials found the dogs -- puppies to adults of various breeds -- and cat in a house on the 2700 block of Fierro Drive.
A neighbor reported the house filled with animals and had concerns for their safety. An Animal Services officer went to the house and noticed a strong odor coming from inside, said Hugo Navarro, operations supervisor for Animal Services.
"We got a call about a concern over animals in mid-July. We only saw two animals at the time," Navarro said. "We did a follow-up and that is when we found out there was quite a bit of animals inside. I think she just got overwhelmed. She was kindhearted, but she just got overwhelmed."
The owner of the animals gave custody of the dogs and the cat to Animal Services. Most of the dogs were thin but in good condition, said Bernie Page, veterinarian for Animal Services.
"Considering that there were 54 dogs in one house, they appear to be in good condition," Page said. "There are no immediate signs of any diseases or that they are sick. They are thin, but they look like with proper care and a good home, they will be good."
The removal of the animals came just in time, said Luis Rios, operations manager for El Paso Animal Shelter.
"We caught them in time," Rios said. "With so many animals in one house, the condition
of the animals would have continued to get worse. We got them in time, and for the most part they are in good condition."
The investigation is ongoing and charges may be filed. Child Protective Services also is conducting an investigation, officials said.
El Paso municipal code does not limit the number of dogs or cats that can be in a house, Rios said.
"There is no law that limits how many dogs or cats a person can have in one house, but a city ordinances requires that animals be provided with good care and enough food and water," Rios said.
The animals will now be put up for adoption. So far, 21 of the dogs have been taken to the Humane Society of El Paso to be adopted. The rest will be taken to the Humane Society after they have been looked at and treated by a veterinarian.
For more information on adopting one of the animals, visit the Human Society of El Paso at 4991 Fred Wilson or call 532-6971.
(El Paso Times - July 25, 2013)
