Rougemont, N.C. — More than 100 animals were seized Tuesday from what authorities described as “deplorable conditions” at a home in Rougemont.

The Person County Sheriff’s Office, Person County Animal Control, the Humane Society of the United States and five other animal advocacy groups assisted in the rescue effort at 1133 Berea Road. They said they found 39 horses and about 70 small-breed dogs, cats and birds housed in squalor.

The horses were very thin, and some required immediate medical attention, a Humane Society spokeswoman said. Many of the dogs and cats had eye and skin infections and other signs of neglect.

The owners surrendered all the animals, which were taken to area shelters for treatment. They will be evaluated for adoption, the spokeswoman said.
Authorities said they acted after receiving complaints from the community about the conditions at the house.

“The situation here deteriorated so badly that we knew it was time to act,” Ron Shaw, director of Person County Animal Control, said in a statement. “I’m incredibly grateful that we did, because the conditions for the small animals living inside were deplorable.”

Guilford County Animal Shelter, Safe Haven Equine Rescue & Retirement, Paws Ranch, Central Virginia Horse Rescue and Allen’s Place assisted with removing the animals from the property. It wasn’t immediately clear whether any charges were filed against the owner.

“The Humane Society of the United States is glad to help Person County Animal Control with this very sad case of neglect,” Kim Alboum, North Carolina state director for the organization, said in a statement. “The conditions in this home are egregious and these animals desperately needed rescue. Now they are on the path to much better lives.”