Animal cruelty investigators in Texas discovered 22 dogs living in a filthy, urine- and feces-soaked car with their owner this week. The animals are now under state care.

(Image courtesy Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals)

22 Dogs in a Car: The Story

The Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (SPCA) says someone phoned in a tip about the dangerous conditions in the town of Pottsboro, Texas. Investigators say upon their first visit, the owner told them she didn’t have the dogs. When they returned, however, they say they found all 22 dogs crammed into a single mid-sized sedan with the woman.

“The car was soaked with urine and covered in feces,” says SPCA Rescue and Investigations Supervisor Courtney Stevens. “The ammonia level in the vehicle was 23 parts per million even after the doors had been opened for several minutes. As a frame of reference, humans start experiencing health issues at 12 parts per million.”

The woman, rescuers say, locked the car doors and refused to get out. They eventually convinced her to let them in. The dogs — which include Papillons and Chihuahuas, among other small breeds — were taken to a temporary animal care facility.

A hearing next Monday, February 16, will determine whether the SPCA gets permanent custody of the 22 dogs. If it does, the SPCA plans to evaluate each animal individually for adoption or other safe placement.

As for the woman, reports indicate she was “not coherent” and will not face charges. The SPCA intends to turn her case over to the state’s Adult Protective Services division.

22 Dogs in a Car: How to Help

If you’d like to make a donation to the SPCA to help the animals, click here. If you’re in the Grayson County area and would like to volunteer, click here.

22 Dogs in Car: More Images

The following pictures show more images of the car in which the 22 dogs were found. All images courtesy SPCA. Click on any thumbnail to see the full view.