Inside 59-year-old Bruno Varbanov's home, which faces Zimmerman Boulevard, investigators say they found animal feces, rodent feces and suspected human feces.
Twenty-seven dogs were seized and taken to the SPCA. Another six dead dogs were removed from the home as were three dead cats.
Varbanov is charged with unsanitary conditions, harboring 19 unlicensed dogs over the age of 4-months, and improper kenneling with no visible water. Additional animal cruelty charges are pending from the SPCA.
The home has been condemned by the Town of Tonawanda building inspector and the Erie County Department of Health.
7 Eyewitness News went to the SPCA on Friday to look at the animals. A spokesperson said they've been following this case for years but have to abide by the law and obtaining warrants can take time.
The SPCA was able to obtain a warrant after Varbanov allegedly left a dog outside in a crate for a long period of time.
Neighbors tell 7 Eyewitness News the property has been a problem for years. The home is rundown and debris surrounds it.
Several neighborhood residents expressed relief that finally something was done. "The smell was terrible and you could hear the dogs barking loudly all the time," explained one neighbor who asked not to be identified.
Nearby residents say they could smell an overwhelming odor of urine and feces. They believe the homeowner was breeding, raising, and selling puppies.
Some people who bought dogs from the location tell 7 Eyewitness News that the man was selling white German Sheppard puppies for $800 apiece.
The SPCA says the dogs removed from the home have not been turned over by Varbanov. While he remains the owner, the dogs cannot be put up for adoption.
Right now they are being cared for. SPCA workers are giving them baths and vaccinations.
(WKBW - May 15, 2015)
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