During routine checks Thursday, Animal Control officers looked in on a home only allowed to have six dogs. They found five times that number living under one roof.
After undergoing a public nuisance hearing about a decade ago, the San Ysidro homeowners were told they can have no more than six adult dogs at a time. Every year since then, Animal Control officers inspected the property to make sure they were complying.
But Thursday, they found the owners had blown past that limit this year, gathering 30 dogs of various breeds. The owners voluntarily gave up their animals, which were taken to the County Animal Services shelter in Bonita.
All of the pets are in sad shape.
“At this point, we’re discovering bad skin, bad ears, long nails,” said Lt. Laura Ward with the Department of Animal Services. “We’ve had a couple dogs who are almost hairless because of possible scabies type situation, which is very contagious to the other dogs.”
Each dog will be treated daily, depending on what condition it has. Officials say it will be some time before they are healthy enough for adoption.
The case is under investigation, and the owners could face criminal charges.
