CLINTON TWP., Mich. (WWJ) -- Macomb County Animal Control officials are asking for the public's help after 53 dogs were recovered from what is believed to be a "hoarding situation."
Officials say the dogs were rescued Wednesday from a home in Sterling Heights where the owners had recently been evicted. The dogs were reportedly discovered inside a U-Haul truck.
The dogs are in very poor health, according to officials, and those in the worst condition are in emergency care with area veterinarians. One dog died during transportation from the home to the shelter.
Animal control is asking the public for donations, which can be monetary or any items that can help the animals. Officials say they are accepting Pedigree dry dog food, blankets, towels, Lysol and bleach, anti-bacterial laundry soap and Dawn dishwashing liquid.
Those who wish to donate money to help cover medical expenses can do so through the Macomb County Animal Control website.
Macomb County Executive Mark A. Hackel called it an "overwhelming situation."
Hackel tells WWJ all the dogs are very compassionate and looking for love.
"These dogs are starved. Not only for food, they’re starved for attention," Hackel said.
Macomb County Chief Animal Control officer Jeff Randazzo says it will take a few days to clean up all the dogs, which were caked in waste.
In the meantime, many other animals that were already at the shelter are available for adoption and animal control is waiving adoption fees through 5 p.m. Friday, in honor of Valentine's Day. Hackel says the dogs did not have names, so the two youngest were named Valentine and Valentino.