Dozens of Yorkies rescued from breeders

TAMPA - Hillsborough County Animal Services removed 63 dogs from two breeders, including many Yorkshire Terriers, this morning.

Officers said they received an anonymous tip that the puppies at a mobile home in the 300 block of Orsley Drive in Seffner were living in squalor.

"They're definitely in need of our attention, they're in an environment that's not acceptable," said Dr. Isabel Rosé describing the dogs' conditions. "They're loaded with parasites, and we have to address this."

Workers said the odor was so overpowering they had to wear masks.

"I visually saw feces on the floor, I saw Yorkies urinating everywhere. There [are] feces on beds and on couches," Dr. Rosé said. "There are open cans of food everywhere."

Officers said the puppies born and raised there were sold elsewhere so buyers had no idea where the pets were coming from. Investigators accuse the owner of putting profit above health to sell "high dollar" dogs.

>> Click here to see a photo gallery of the Yorkies

"This is your typical treat the animals like crap and make as much money out of them as you can," said Dennis McCullough, Hillsborough County Animal Services Operations Director. "That's what we're dealing with here."

American Kennel Club records found online reveal the owner has been suspended twice, and is not due to be reinstated until November 2010.

Investigators say they plan to pursue misdemeanor charges of improper confinement and felony animal cruelty charges

Officers raided a second home in the 8900 block of 39th Street East in Tampa. According to animal services, the man and his elderly mother own both properties.

Investigators are trying to get the owners to surrender the dogs, so the animals can be cleaned up, treated and put up for adoption.