Not enough information is provided in this article to say this is a “puppy mill” which would mean the homeowners were selling dogs. My guess would be that they are not, given the sheer number, and that the appear to be mixed breeds. This appears to be a hoarding situation, which is in fact a mental illness. A person loves animals, and believes they are doing right by them, but becomes completely incapable of of letting any go, and the number grows. It becomes overwhelming to the hoarder but they still believe that they are ok. That there were no dead animals found means little. 276 dogs inside of a home is irrrational, and extremely unhealthy for both animals and humans. There is no possible way that 2 people can properly care for that many dogs, even if conditions were good – meaning proper housing and access to outside facilities. “Fair condition” by animal control definition is bare minimum.
It is a sad and potentially dangerous situation for the animals and the people.
I hope that the animals are able to be rehabilitated, and that the couple gets help.
Not enough information is provided in this article to say this is a “puppy mill” which would mean the homeowners were selling dogs. My guess would be that they are not, given the sheer number, and that the appear to be mixed breeds. This appears to be a hoarding situation, which is in fact a mental illness. A person loves animals, and believes they are doing right by them, but becomes completely incapable of of letting any go, and the number grows. It becomes overwhelming to the hoarder but they still believe that they are ok. That there were no dead animals found means little. 276 dogs inside of a home is irrrational, and extremely unhealthy for both animals and humans. There is no possible way that 2 people can properly care for that many dogs, even if conditions were good – meaning proper housing and access to outside facilities. “Fair condition” by animal control definition is bare minimum.
It is a sad and potentially dangerous situation for the animals and the people.
I hope that the animals are able to be rehabilitated, and that the couple gets help.