December 18, 2007

Can you imagine hundreds of dogs living under one roof?

That's exactly what was happening in a house just off of Ocean Drive near Ennis Joslin. Authorities estimate more than 235 dogs were pulled out of the home this afternoon, much to the surprise and shock of neighbors.

Animal care officers arrived there at the 6000 block of Edgewater around 1PM Tuesday. They thought they were there to seize some 70 Pomeranians.

But, as they began going through the house, it became apparent this would become a massive task. Animal care officers call this a classic hoarding situation. The homeowner, Alice Carlson, not intending to be cruel to these animals, instead collected them.Starting off with a few. Then,  they multiplied, quickly getting out of control.

We spoke to Carlson. She wouldn't allow us in her house, but told us the majority of these dogs she shows and breeds.

We asked her, "Do you feel like you were collecting them?" "No," she said, I don't think so, because there's no use collecting if they can't have a good home, but you can not just let them go to anyone. Because you have to take care of them."

 They were on top of each other. But they appeared in fairly good health, however the conditions they were  in were completely unsanitary with  feces and urine, all through the house. You can imagine it would be impossible for one person to keep up with a hundred animals.

Animal care services took the animals in for the night. They'll work to get the dogs new homes such as with a rescue group, but first there will be a hearing.

A judge will determine where all these animals go from here. These dogs could be eligible for adoption. There's a process. 882-6082 is the number to animal care services, if you're interested in adopting an animal.  But it could be up to two weeks before we know about  adoption availability.