About 750 dogs have been seized from what officials called a "puppy mill" in Avra Valley that sold dogs for thousands of dollars.
Most of the small-breed dogs are Chihuahuas and some are very ill, said Jenny Rose, a spokeswoman for the Humane Society of Southern Arizona. Three were found dead in filthy conditions on the property, and some of the living dogs were missing paws.
The dogs were being bred and sold by a couple who live there, she said. Some of the teacup Chihuahuas were offered for sale on the Internet for prices up to $2,400 each.
Authorities became aware of the case after a woman who purchased a dog from the couple took her pet to the vet because it had kennel cough, Rose said.
She told the veterinarian that there were hundreds of dogs on the property, in the 12200 block of West Manville Road, and the vet advised her to contact authorities, according to Rose.
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When Pima County Sheriff's Department officers went to the property Monday, they found dogs in cages outside, and also found dogs inside the mobile home, said Sgt. James Ogden, a spokesman. There were also 36 exotic birds inside.
"The conditions of the house were horrible," Ogden said.
"They had the parrots in cages, and the dogs — some were in cages but others were free to roam, so when you have that, you're going to have feces and urine. It was pretty disgusting."
On Monday, 96 animals from the property were taken in by the Humane Society, Rose said. Authorities returned to the home Wednesday to bring in the remaining dogs.
The Humane Society can hold 150 to 200 dogs, Rose said. As a result, the organization has converted its Companions for Life Center, which is used for training classes and speaking engagements, for the dogs, Rose said. The space has been cleared out, and pens have been set up.
None of the dogs is up for adoption, as they still need to be checked out, Rose said. As soon as that is done, the Humane Society will notify the public.
The property is listed as belonging to a woman with the same name as a dog breeder advertising the sale of teacup Chihuahuas and other small dogs on the Internet. The Web site was closed down Wednesday evening and displayed a message saying, "Thank you for your past support."
The Arizona Daily Star was unable to reach the woman.
Rita Backes, who lives next door to the property, said she knew the couple bred and sold dogs but had no idea that there were so many animals.
"There was always a lot of barking — yapping, really — and friends who would come over always said, 'My goodness, how many dogs are over there?' " Backes said. "I estimated 30 to 50, maybe; my husband thought up to 75. But I can't imagine walking into a room with that many dogs at your feet.
"I think they're nice people and they likely tried their best to do whatever they were doing, but had no boundaries for themselves."
No citations have been issued, and the couple, in their 60s, have been cooperating with the Sheriff's Department, Ogden said.
Once the investigation is completed, it will be turned over to the Pima County Attorney's Office for review.
Since last month, the Humane Society has accepted more than 70 dogs from the county shelter to give the Pima Animal Care Center the flexibility to accommodate pit bulls seized from people who are accused of breeding and selling the dogs to dogfighting rings.
How to help
The Humane Society of Southern Arizona is accepting monetary donations to help care for the hundreds of small dogs seized this week. The agency is also seeking donations of small crates or pens.
To make a donation, go to www.hssaz.org or call the shelter at 327-6088.
