LEXINGTON, Ky. — Two homes in Lexington are now condemned following the seizure of nearly 50 dogs living inside. On Monday, Lexington Animal Care and Control executed a search warrant on the homes and rescued the dogs rescued from what they describe as "deplorable" conditions.

What You Need To Know

  • Forty-seven chihuahuas were rescued Monday from "deplorable" conditions in Lexington 

  • It's the largest animal seizure for Lexington-Fayette Animal Care and Control since 2018 

  • The two suspects face 47 total counts of care and treatment to animals, each count carries an up to $500 fine and year in jail

  • Some of the dogs will be ready for adoption starting Saturday through the Lexington Humane Society

Lt. Jai Hamilton with Lexington-Fayette Animal Care and Control said 47 chihuahuas were found between the two houses on Chippendale Circle in Lexington.

“I would describe the houses as being full of animal waste," Hamilton said.

Hamilton described the incident as an animal hoarding situation. To make room for the nearly 50 dogs, the shelter had to condense its cat rooms as it had already reached its capacity for dogs. Hamilton is the animal cruelty for animal control, and said there's no way she could leave the dogs behind.

“I’m very proud of our staff for coming together and making this happen. Considering we’re at maximum capacity and we’re already stressed and strained, we all came together and saved many and made this happen so these chihuahuas could be safe," Hamilton said.

It was the largest animal seizure for Lexington-Fayette Animal control in nearly five years.

“In 2018, we did have 135 cats at a house here in Lexington, but since then, this is definitely the biggest we have had," Hamilton said.

Most the dogs are doing just fine—a few have medical concerns. And for some, they’ll get a chance at a new home.

“We’re really happy to say that at least some can go up for adoption now which makes us very happy," Hamilton said.

Animals seized by animal control are rehoused to the Lexington Humane Society in hope of them getting adopted.

The two suspects are facing a combined 47 counts of care and treatment to animals. The maximum penalty for each count is up to a $500 fine and a year in jail.