40 Dogs Saved from ‘Severely Unsanitary’ 500 Sq. Ft. Apartment Where They Were Left Alone for Days

The San Diego Humane Society (SDHS) spent New Year’s Eve responding to a troubling rescue involving dozens of dogs found living in extreme neglect.

The nonprofit said it was contacted by the La Mesa Police Department on Dec. 29 after officers conducted a welfare check at a 500-square-foot apartment in California. Inside, authorities discovered approximately 40 dogs and puppies living in severely unsanitary conditions.

In a Dec. 30 Facebook post, SDHS described the scene as one no animal welfare organization ever hopes to encounter. Humane officers arrived to find floors covered in feces and animals in urgent need of care. The tenant had reportedly not been seen for days.

Rescuers believe the dogs had been left alone since Dec. 23. Officers immediately provided food and water before beginning emergency medical care on site. Each animal received a medical exam, vaccinations, deworming treatment, and a microchip before being placed in kennels to rest and decompress.

SDHS described the situation as one of the worst hoarding cases its humane law enforcement team has encountered.

Because of the hazardous conditions inside the apartment, rescuers wore protective goggles and personal protective equipment while working. After stabilizing the animals, the team transported them to one of the organization’s shelters.

With the dogs’ immediate medical needs addressed, SDHS is now focusing on their emotional recovery. Many of the animals were described as deeply traumatized after the ordeal.

The organization said its medical, behavioral, and animal care teams will continue working together to give the dogs the time and support needed for a second chance. Several of the animals are suffering from skin, dental, and eye conditions, along with overgrown nails and severe fear responses that will require ongoing treatment and rehabilitation.

The rescue comes at a challenging time for SDHS, which was already caring for more than 700 dogs and puppies before these animals arrived. Despite full shelters, the organization emphasized that it will not turn away animals in need.

SDHS is asking for community support to help cover the costs of care and ensure the rescued dogs — along with other animals in its shelters — receive the treatment they need to become healthy and adoption-ready.

Authorities said the welfare check was initially conducted for the apartment’s tenant, who was reportedly facing eviction and has not been seen since Dec. 23.

To learn more about the San Diego Humane Society and its work, visit the organization’s website.