TEMPE, AZ — More than 30 dogs were seized Thursday from a Tempe home reportedly living in deplorable conditions.
The Arizona Humane Society says they assisted Tempe police on a hoarding case because the dogs were found living without air conditioning, and were believed to be eating without food bowls and with feces covering the floor.
Tempe police say that on July 20, the homeowner, Jennifer Knutson, turned over a dead dog to investigators. Police allege the dog died because Knutson failed to provide medical treatment or proper care for the dog. That death prompted investigators to return to the home on July 28 to arrest Knutson.
According to the Arizona Humane Society, the dogs ranged from approximately one week old to eight years of age.
The dogs rescued Thursday are now undergoing medical exams and testing. According to AHS, several of the dogs are timid and possibly now eating out of food bowls for the first time in their lives. They are also being tested for distemper.
Knutson was arrested, booked and released pending unknown charges.
Tempe police say the Arizona Humane Society has seized around 20 additional dogs from the same home in the last two years for neglect. According to police, several of those dogs had to be euthanized.
Information on adopting the dogs rescued Thursday would come from AHS, though they are still receiving medical treatment.
