GUSTAVUS — Animal agency officials, along with many volunteers, removed many animals, both alive and deceased, from a burned home Sunday in Gustavus, and animal agency officials will contact the Trumbull County prosecutor about filing criminal charges against the homeowners.

Representatives of the Healthy Hearts and Paws Project, Animal Welfare League of Trumbull County and Trumbull County Dog Warden, along with the Trumbull County Sheriff’s Office and many area fire departments, responded to a house fire early Sunday on Davis Peck Road, where many animals were found dead and others in poor condition.

Jason Cooke, founder and humane agent with Healthy Hearts and Paws, said there were two small shed-like buildings behind the house where 11 dogs were removed. Cooke said the dogs were very matted and living in their own urine and feces. He said two dogs were found dead.

He said inside the house, he and others found 24 dead dogs in one room, with some found inside crates filled with layers of feces. Cooke said those dogs were not able to get out of their crates when the fire occurred.

He said nearly 30 dead dogs were found in the living room and other rooms, with most of them burned.

Cooke said there was a variety of dog breeds, from small chihuahuas and poodles to larger breeds such as pit bulls.

“It was terrible. All of us were so upset. You couldn’t imagine seeing all the dead dogs. Some were on the floor burned from the fire,” he said.

In addition, Cooke said there were five horses found on the property also suffering from neglect with their hooves overgrown. He said there also were two dead horses.

Cooke said just like the dogs, the horses inside one building were living on buildup of several feet of feces. He said cats were also rescued and given to the Animal Welfare League, and surviving turkeys and chickens were given to a neighbor.

Cooke said some of the live dogs were brought to Healthy Hearts and Paws and are being monitored. Bethany Cluckey, CEO of the Animal Welfare League, said four small dogs and three cats rescued from the home were brought to the agency.

“They are all very timid and afraid. We are watching them and taking care of them to see how they are doing,” Cluckey said.

Cluckey, who became a humane officer for the agency six months ago, described the situation at the home as “absolutely the worst living conditions for animals that I have ever encountered.”

Cluckey said it was unfortunate that it took a fire at the property to be able to help the animals.

Cooke said he and others will be in contact with the Trumbull County prosecutor so that charges can be filed against the owners of the home, noting there were clear signs of animal neglect that had been taking place for some time.

“It was a terrible situation. I have not been the same since taking the call and going there,” he said.

Cooke said he remembers seeing one dead bulldog on the floor with a stuffed animal in its mouth and other bodies covered under debris with their legs sticking out.

“This is the worst situation of animal cruelty I have ever seen. For someone to allow this and to have this volume of dogs,” he said.

He said some of the dogs probably died from smoke inhalation, but the majority were burned in the fire.

Gustavus fire Chief Jamison Conley said the Trumbull County Fire Investigation Unit is still investigating the cause of the fire and he is waiting for their report. There were no reports of any people injured.

Cooke said he appreciates all the help from the volunteers and first responders who formed a line to remove the animals from the building.

“Everyone worked as a team during this difficult situation,” he said.

Cooke said one first responder did get bitten by one of the dogs.

He said there have been previous complaints made about the property, but the owner would not let anyone in to help.

“It took a tragic house fire to gain access to the property,” he said.