52 dogs rescued from Giddings kennel

GIDDINGS, Texas (KXAN) - More than 50 dogs that had been living in what officials described as "overwhelming filth"  have been rescued from an animal facility in Giddings.

The Lee County Sheriff’s office and the U.S. Humane Society's Animal Rescue Team removed the dogs from the operation called Litl''l Bit of Heaven Puppies where they were said to be suffering from various injuries and illnesses.

“According to the Lee County Sheriff’s Office, this facility sold to unsuspecting customers and some of the puppies were extremely sick—no surprise, considering they were living in overwhelming filth," said Nicole Paquette, the Texas senior director for the U.S. Humane Society.

"Unfortunately, keeping dogs in small, wire cages stacked on top of each other remains legal under the recently passed regulations in Texas."

Responders to the scene said they found the animals kept in small wire enclosures littered with feces and that many of the dogs were severely matted and urine stained.

After being removed, the dogs were transported to the Austin Animal Center where they will be examined by a team of veterinarians and receive any necessary medical treatment.

Once they are fully recovered, they will be considered for adoption or foster homes, officials said.

No charges have been filed but the case remains under investigation, officials said.