The Columbiana County Humane Society rescued 11 dogs from a home so unsanitary that feces had hardened like concrete into the carpet. One dog was so sick it required humane euthanasia.

A humane agent got the call from Deputy Adkins of the Columbiana County Dog Pound. Adkins said multiple dogs were living in unsanitary conditions inside a home. She’d been called out by police about a dog running loose, and during her investigation, found several animals in distress. She asked the Humane Society for help.

East Liverpool Police later called about the same address, saying an officer would meet the agent on scene around 1 p.m.

The agent and humane associate Romigh arrived at 1:18 p.m. Officer Tagerhorst was waiting. He told them the situation was serious and said he wanted to help — he was an animal lover and couldn’t stand by while something like this happened.

The homeowner met the agent at the door and said they were remodeling, which was why the home was in disarray. Citing the strong odor and visible conditions, the agent said entry was needed to check on the animals.

The original complaint reported 4 to 5 dogs inside. By the end of the investigation, there were 11.

According to the Humane Society, cages were glued to the floor with feces hardened like concrete into the carpet. None of the dogs had water, and all were severely dehydrated. One dog, suffering from multiple health issues, was humanely euthanized on a veterinarian’s recommendation.

When the homeowner opened the door, three dogs rushed to drink from a mildewed tub of rainwater filled with junk. The agent and Romigh immediately gave the dogs water by hand.

Inside, the smell was overwhelming enough to cause coughing, the agent said. An ammonia meter reportedly read 61 parts per million. Eyes burned and breathing was difficult even with a mask on. Every room was covered in debris, trash, feces and urine.

The agent told the owner all 11 dogs would be impounded — not just some, as the owner had hoped — citing multiple violations of Section 959 of the Ohio Revised Code governing companion animals. The agent and Romigh crated the dogs one by one.

The transport van and crates had to be cleaned multiple times afterward to clear ammonia embedded in the animals’ fur, the Humane Society said. The smell remained strong even with the windows down.

The Columbiana County Humane Society thanked Goofy Newfy’s Anistyn Steiner for helping place two of the dogs, humane associate Riley Romigh for his work on the rescue, and Officer Tagerhorst and Deputy Adkins for reporting the case and saving the animals from continued suffering.