The SPCA made a disturbing discovery Friday while carrying out a search warrant at a Getzville kennel.
The SPCA began investigating the Dodge Boarding Kennels on Dodge Road after receiving complaints of animal neglect. Spokesperson Gina Browning says officers made a few visits to the site last week and earlier this week before today's search warrant was issued.
Browning says the agency found more than 70 animals, including dogs, cats, rabbits, birds, chinchillas and turtles, living in filthy and cruel conditions. She says some of them appear to be malnourished and dehydrated.
"It looks like some of the dogs have been kept in cages, and not allowed out of the cages, in complete darkness 24/7, " Browning says. "It's cruel to keep an animal in that kind of condition."
Browning says the search revealed something even more disturbing.
"We located at least two chest freezers and refrigerator freezer that are working and filled with bagged, deceased animals," Browning told WBFO.
Browning says 71 live animals are being taken back to the SPCA's Tonawanda facility for medical care. She says it's too early to tell what will become of them, adding their health and safety are top priority at this time.
Charges against the kennel's operator are pending.