More than 250 dogs were seized from a Shelby County home early Saturday morning.
The Sheriff's Office along with Ohio Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals and various rescue groups responded to help remove the dogs from a home in the 8300 block of Tawawa Maplewood Road.
The dogs were found after a search warrant was issued for the business known as "Pedigree Pets" at the home of Dave and Rhonda Auton. Investigators say their son Adam also helped run the business.
The investigation spanned over a six-month period after alleged complaints of cruelty to animals.
According to the Sheriff's Office, the dogs were found in poor health and kennel conditions were unsuitable for housing animals.
Investigators say there were at least 30 different breeds of puppies confiscated in the raid.
Investigators say all three people will likely face charges of animal cruelty.
It will be several weeks before the dogs will be available for adoption.
In the meantime, you can visit the Ohio SPCA for more information and ways you can help.
Case Updates
In Shelby County, most of the 241 dogs that were removed from a residence near Maplewood are in foster care until the dogs are approved for adoption, and that could be weeks away.
Deputies and the dog warden raided the property on Saturday morning.
Officials said 198 puppies and dogs are in foster care, and the sheriff said all dogs should be fostered out by Thanksgiving.
Deputies and numerous volunteers went to the property at 8350 Tawawa-Maplewood Road armed with a search warrant after a six-month investigation following citizen complaints.
Shelby County Commissioner Julie Ehemann was on the scene observing the situation on Saturday.
News Center 7's Steve Baker made several attempts to get in contact with Dave and Rhonda Auton and their son, Adam, by telephone and at their home. They asked for the News Center 7 crew to leave their property.
As far as the investigation, the dog warden expects multiple charges to be filed against the family who own and reportedly operate a business called Pedigree Pets.
The sheriff said, at this point, monetary donations instead of actual dog food and supplies would be better sent to the Shelby County Animal Rescue Group at P.O. Box 671 in Sidney.
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