Riverside County authorities say the dogs were discovered Wednesday at a filthy, junk-strewn rented property in the unincorporated La Sierra area.
He said: 'Some of the dogs were so malnourished they couldn't be walked on a leash, they had to be carried out. We don't know how far gone those dogs are,' he said.
Welsh recalled: 'It was a really bad scene yesterday.'
According to Welsh, 'Even the seasoned officers were saying this is a bad one.'
Authorities went to the home after a neighbor reported smelling a foul odor.
Welsh says the dogs were inside an enclosed patio area, a kennel area and a home with the doors shut. He says they may have been there for days or weeks.
Welsh says the dead animals apparently died from exposure or starvation, and the live ones were just skin and bones.
He told Fox LA: 'It was like Silence of the Lambs, it looked like that inside the property.'
Neighbor Rita Chenoweth told the local news station: 'Can you imagine with the heat wave that we are having in the next few days what it would be like for the dogs that survived. Thank goodness they got in there and was able to save them.'
Welsh says the owner may have been an unlicensed breeder and could face animal cruelty charges when he's found.
Lt. Chris Mayer with Animal Services told KABC: 'A lot of dead dogs in the house. And starving-looking dogs. Dogs really emaciated. No food, no water.
'It's actually one of the worst cases of animal neglect I've seen in my 15-year career with Animal Services.
According to Welsh, the dogs were taken to San Jacinto Valley Animal Campus for medical care.
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