181 Chihuahuas Rescued From Georgia Hoarding House

LOCUST GROVE, GA — Imagine more than 180 Chihuahuas, all barking at the same time.

That's what a Georgia rescue organization found Friday when it helped Butts County authorities rescue a pack of Chihuahuas from a residence.

"The dogs were everywhere, literally coming out of kitchen cabinets and mattresses," said Noah's Ark founder and president Jama Hedgecoth in a statement. "This is one of the most deplorable cases of animal hoarding I have seen."

According to Hedgecoth, 181 Chihuahuas were rescued initially. However, several of the dogs were pregnant: Three puppies were born over the weekend, and three more were born Wednesday.

Hedgecoth told Patch that still more puppies are anticipated, but exactly how many won’t be known until the dogs have been assessed.

The rescued dogs were flea-ridden but otherwise relatively health and well fed. They will be separated, assessed, treated for fleas and worms, vaccinated, and spayed or neutered.

An unidentified owner voluntarily surrendered the Chihuahuas. Noah’s Ark became involved when Butts County’s animal-control unit called them to help.

Because the Chihuahuas have had little human socialization, they will need to be fostered first before they can be adopted out, according to the announcement. Noah's Ark also needs donations to help care for the dogs while they wait for their forever homes.

There’s no shortage of people interested in those Chihuahuas.

“Our phones have been ringing off the hook since 7 this morning,” Hedgecoth said Wednesday to Patch. “These dogs are healthy and in great shape.”

The dogs will be ready to be fostered by October.

If you’re interested in fostering or adopting one of the Chihuahuas, visit the Noah’s Ark website for the appropriate paperwork. If you can donate to help care for the dogs, call Noah’s Ark in Locust Grove at 770-957-0888 or see the website.

Founded in 1979, Noah’s Ark Animal Sanctuary and Wildlife Rehabilitation Center is a non-profit educational sanctuary for abused, unwanted and orphaned exotic animals, livestock, domestic animals and native Georgia wildlife.