This 2017 photo provided by the San Diego Humane Society shows a groomed dog rescued from a scene where over 170 Yorkshire terrier and Yorkie mix dogs were discovered Jan. 20, 2017, in Poway, Calif. A San Diego County couple has pleaded guilty to hoarding the dogs in filthy conditions, entering pleas Monday, June 12, to animal neglect. They face probation and counseling and can't own pets for a decade. (San Diego Humane Society via AP)
June 12, 2017 - 7:28 PM
POWAY, Calif. - A San Diego County couple has pleaded guilty to hoarding more than 170 Yorkshire terriers and Yorkie mixes in filthy conditions.
Authorities say Christine Calvert and Mark Vattimo entered pleas Monday to animal neglect. They face probation and counselling and can't own pets for a decade.
Investigators who went to their Poway home in January found dozens of dogs in a dark room. The floor and walls were covered in excrement, and the dogs had a variety of problems, including fleas and matted hair.
About 30 dogs were seized later at another location and another 46 were found in a motor home in Primm, Nevada, where Calvert was arrested after fleeing the state.
The dogs — including puppies born to some of the animals — were put up for adoption.
News from © The Associated Press, 2017