More than two dozen dachshunds rescued from deplorable conditions in Hauppauge over the weekend will soon be looking for forever homes.
Firefighters were called to a Joyce Drive home after flames sparked in the kitchen. Inside, the Suffolk SPCA says 27 dogs were found covered in filth, feces and urine.
Officials say the dogs, all dachshunds, were desperately trying to escape the home, and rescuers had to go in with hazmat suits to get them out.
"That smell was absolutely unbelievable. The people living in the house, how they were living there was unbelievable," says Suffolk SPCA Chief Roy Gross.
Neighbors say they had no idea of the alleged animal cruelty, and SPCA officials say the homeowner had no history of animal abuse.
The house has been condemned by the Town of Islip, and homeowner John Lowery is charged with 27 counts of animal cruelty. He could face a year in jail or a $1,000 fine.