BLOUNT COUNTY, Ala. (WIAT) — More than 40 dogs have been rescued from a property in Blount County during an investigation that first began earlier this year.

In February, the Blount County Sheriff’s Office received a report of dogs on the loose, as well as animal abuse, at a home on Sawmill Road in the Blountsville area. Animal Control Deputy Brock Echols traveled to the property, where he saw 10-15 dogs running freely, as well as 10 more dogs that were in cages.

Echols attempted to contact the residents, but was unable to reach them. An investigation into the property and its ownership determined that the owners resided in a neighboring county.

A neighboring agency attempted to contact the owners but was unsuccessful. However, they reported hearing what they said sounded like 20 dogs inside the residence.

Echols contacted the owners by phone and arranged to meet them at the property.

Upon an inspection, over 25 dogs were counted outside the residence, mostly suffering from mange and malnutrition, according to the Blount County Sheriff’s Office. Some were found with open wounds and skin conditions. The animals reportedly had no access to clean water or sufficient food, and there were more than 12 inches of feces in some areas of the property.

The owners assisted Echols in entering the residence, where eight more dogs were found. The Blount County Sheriff’s Office stated that the living conditions in the residence were unsuitable, with standing water in the basement where the dogs were located. In addition to these dogs, five puppies were discovered, which the owners had been previously unaware of.

The Blount County Animal Adoption Center dispatched a representative to assist with the situation.

During the ongoing investigation, 15 more dogs and one puppy that had died were located. As of March 12, a total of 43 dogs have been removed from the property. The Blount County Sheriff’s Office stated that several of the animals had to be euthanized due to health issues.

The investigation is ongoing, and criminal charges are pending.

“It is essential to spay and neuter your dogs and cats. Heartbreaking scenes like these must be avoided,” the Blount County Sheriff’s Office said in a statement. “It is inhumane to allow dogs to merely exist; they require care and nurturing to ensure their health and well-being. We commend Deputy Echols for the dedication he and the Blount County Animal Adoption Center demonstrate in caring for the animals in our communities. If you are aware of similar situations or instances of animal abuse in your area, please contact Deputy Echols so he can help protect these animals.”