3 arrested after animal services rescue 86 dogs from 'deplorable conditions' in Ceres home
Oxygen levels in the home were measuring at only 16%, primarily due to the amount of ammonia from urine throughout the property
Oxygen levels in the home were measuring at only 16%, primarily due to the amount of ammonia from urine throughout the property
Oxygen levels in the home were measuring at only 16%, primarily due to the amount of ammonia from urine throughout the property
Dozens of dogs were rescued from a massive hoarding situation in Ceres on Tuesday, the Stanislaus Animal Services Agency said. Police arrested three in connection.
"This was a really horrific situation," said Vaughn Maurice, the executive director of Stanislaus Animal Services Agency.
Animal services were called to the home on Hollister Street after Adult Protective Services and the Ceres Police Department entered the home to find at least 86 dogs living in "deplorable conditions," the agency said.
Officials said the animal services officers were unable to even enter the residence.
The Modesto Fire Department found the oxygen levels in the home were measuring at only 16%, primarily due to the amount of ammonia from urine throughout the property.
"The urination that was in the house was so bad, that it really caused just a horrible environment not just for the dogs but the people living there too," Maurice said.
Four people lived in the home, including a 76-year-old woman and a 4-year-old child.
Ceres police on Tuesday said they arrested the two other adults who lived in the home. On Wednesday, the police department announced a third arrest and named all three people taken into custody. They are 43-year-old Lissette Stdenis, 43-year-old Seth Badal and 22-year-old Freddy Vasquez.
The three face charges related to child abuse, elder abuse and animal cruelty, the police department said. More charges may be filed as the investigation continues.
Details were not released on which of the people arrested lived at the home. It is also unclear how the third person is connected to the home.
Neighbors told KCRA 3 they often heard the barking, but never saw the dogs. The smell was so bad they avoided spending time outdoors.
The fire department evacuated the dogs from the home before handing them off to animal services officers.
"It is heart-wrenching to witness the suffering they have endured," Maurice said.
The animal services agency said many of the dogs exhibit eye issues, likely stemming from long exposure to dark and unsanitary conditions. Many of the dogs also had severely matted hair.
"Our priority now is to provide them with the necessary medical attention, rehabilitation, and, ultimately, find them loving forever homes," Maurice said.
The Stanislaus animal shelter is already facing overcrowding with over 200 dogs available for adoption.
Maurice said this is the third hoarding case his agency has dealt with this month. Dozens of chihuahuas were rescued by the agency just last week.
Once the dogs have been checked over by veterinarians, they will transition into the shelter's adoption program.
The agency said the two adults arrested in the case face criminal charges. They will be charged with animal cruelty. The agency said they could also face charges of elder abuse and child abuse.
The agency urges members of the community to consider adopting or fostering animals from their local shelters.