Nearly 150 dogs rescued from Bastrop

BASTROP, Texas (KXAN) - The population at the Austin Humane Society has doubled since Friday.

Bastrop County Animal Control called Austin Humane Society to ask for an emergency shelter for 148 dogs - many different breeds but nearly all under 15 pounds.

Amanda Ryan-Smith with the Austin Humane Society said they had to help when they were called, "This is the largest rescue we've been involved with that hasn't been associated with a hurricane. What we know is Bastrop County Animal Control called upon us and said they had an individual come forward said they were overwhelmed by the number of dogs in their home and voluntarily surrendered the dogs."

The pups have knots in their fur, flea infestation and some have open wounds.

"These dogs were living in horrible, deplorable conditions. Filthy, covered in feces matted hair, many of the white dogs were yellow because they had so much urine covering them,” continued Ryan-Smith.

Over the next few days, the Humane Society staff and volunteers will nurse the dogs back to health and they hope to have the dogs ready to be adopted on Saturday.

Not only do they have to get a check-up, they also have to, "Get them cleaned up and they look like any other dog and they’re adorable, they're just adorable,” said Ryan-Smith.

Despite the neglect--most don't show signs of it.

"They come in with their tails wagging and kissing us on the face with their dirty little faces and just looking for love and attention,” said Ryan-Smith.

And hopefully soon, they'll get plenty of it.