Police rescue dozens of animals from 'squalid conditions' in Seattle townhouse

SEATTLE -- Police and animal shelter offices rescued dozens of animals from "squalid conditions" at a University District townhouse Wednesday, the Seattle Police Department said.

Last week, the Seattle Animal Shelter received information from a property manager that residents at a home in the 4500 block of 11th Avenue NE were keeping dozens of animals in unsanitary conditions, police said.

A warrant was served on the home Wednesday.

Inside, officers found 28 dogs, six cats, five hamsters, four chinchillas and one guinea pig.

"Many of the animals were in cages, covered in their own urine and feces," the police blotter said.

The Seattle Animal Shelter took custody of all of the animals, police said, and officers were interviewing residents of the home and would review the case for possible charges.