Dozens Of Dogs Rescued From House Fire: Reports

ATLANTA, GA — Firefighters found dozens of dogs Sunday morning while dousing a fire at a house in South Fulton County, and the owner is facing animal cruelty charges, according to media reports. The dogs and puppies complicated efforts to put out a blaze at a home on Lori Lane, near Old National and Highway 138 in South Fulton County, a spokesman with Fulton County Fire and Rescue told WSB-TV Channel 2.

At first, the fire department estimated there were 50 dogs in the house, but that number rose on Monday to 85, Channel 2 reported.

Officers with Fulton County Animal Services were called in to rescue the dogs from what they termed to be a "hoarding situation." The homeowner, who was not identified, surrendered the animals to the local shelter, bit the situation remains under investigation, Animal Services said on its Facebook page.

The dogs were living in inhumane conditions, with the inside and outside of the house covered in animal feces and urine, Channel 2 reported.

Animal control officers said they will assess the dogs and puppies over the next few days to determine which ones can be adopted from the shelter, Channel 2 reported.

Animal Services is seeking temporary foster families for its medium and large dogs to make space for the rescued dogs, according to the office's Facebook page. Those interested can stop by the shelter from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. at 860 Marietta Blvd. NW, or email foster@fultonanimalservices.com for more information. Please bring a valid ID.

Images: Shutterstock; firefighters found dozens of dogs Sunday in a house in South Fulton County (Fulton County Animal Services).