143 animals seized from "deplorable conditions" in Lee Co.

Animal control seized 143 animals from a Lee County home Friday, rescuing several different species from the worst conditions one official said he's ever seen.

A little dog's nose sniffed the air after being freed, having never known air could smell so fresh. He's one of 61 dogs being nursed back to health at the animal shelter in Lee County after being rescued from the Bishopville house Friday morning.

Lee Co. Animal Control's John Muldrow went to the house after getting an anonymous tip about a strong odor. When Muldrow arrived, he found the animals locked up in "deplorable conditions." "It was the worst thing I had ever seen as far as a home," said Muldrow.

Animal control seized 61 dogs, 26 of which were being kept inside on the filthiest floor imaginable. Eight of the dogs were puppies, anywhere from two days to 12 weeks old. All were kept inside, and all are Shih Tzus.

"Absolutely just terrible conditions," described Muldrow. "Feces, urine."

Authorities also seized ten cats which were also being kept inside. On top of that, they also seized 26 chickens, 45 pigeons and a rabbit.

There were high levels of methane and ammonia gases, and feces everywhere. Muldrow said they was the worst conditions he's ever seen, with much less food and water than the animals needed.

Muldrow says many of these animals would have died from the fumes.

"You couldn't stay in that home no more than 15 minutes before you had to come out for air," he said.

Animal control says the homeowner was there when they arrived. He explained he lives there part time, and wanted to breed puppies to sell. The homeowner said the situation got overwhelming, admitting he should have called for help much earlier.

The puppies have been taken to the Lee County Animal Shelter in Bishopville, and Muldrow said authorities want people to adopt the puppies. In addition to the Shih Tzu puppies, there were also poodles, Chihuahuas and Pekingese..." More

Investigators: Jail time in accused animal hoarder's future

In a special NBC2 investigation, we took you inside the disturbing world of animal hoarding.

Since the story aired Wednesday, we've learned the man investigators say is responsible for the gruesome conditions will serve jail time for animal cruelty.

The unthinkable conditions will send Charles Sharp to jail. Investigators say the animals they pulled from the Fort Myers Shores home in August were emaciated, dirty, and covered in ticks and fleas.

When Lee County Animal Service raided the home, Sharp – who lived there – said he wasn't responsible.

"My roommate lost his foot. He brought in all the dogs," Sharp said.

Adam Leath, with Lee County Animal Services, says that roommate, Bob Tracy, is a known animal hoarder. It was the second time they had confiscated animals from the address.

But when they made this raid, Tracy was hospitalized. Investigators said he had to have his foot amputated after the fifth that the pair was living in infected it.

"You can imagine walking around on that, having an open wound, so it was a sore on his foot that didn't heal," said Leath.

Since the animals were in Sharp's care, he was charged. Now there's a plea agreement on the table, which the State Attorney's Office can't discuss details of.

But Animal Services says it involves jail time and probation. Sharp will also be prohibited him from any contact with animals.

The home has since been condemned..." More & video

Special Report: Animal Hoarders

Experts: Animal hoarding a growing problem

LEE COUNTY: Animal Services says more animals are being found in unthinkable living conditions and that it’s a growing problem.

Officials with Lee County Animal Services say the number of hoarding cases it has responded to has doubled this year.

For years Andrea Jones, who works for Lee County Animal Services, has been fighting for the four legged. She says it's never easy when animals are part of a hoarding case.

“They're fighting for their own food. They're fighting for water. They're eating the feces of other animals to survive. It's a very hard thing to see,” said Jones.

Ria Brown, also with Lee County Animal Services, says she is seeing more animals coming from horrible living conditions.

“It's people that collect too many things - whether they're in good condition, bad condition, useful or not to the point it disrupts their whole life. Sometimes they actually collect animals,” she said. “I believe we've seen some of the most extreme cases that you could probably see anywhere in the country.”.." More & video