23 dogs, other animals rescued in San Diego County

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Animal control officers in eastern San Diego County discovered 23 dogs -- mostly chow chows -- a tortoise, a skunk, a cat and a macaw during a raid on a foul-smelling house filled with debris and feces in Santee, officials said Monday. Most of the dogs were hungry, thirsty and restrained on short leashes, officials said.

The animals, including the dog at left, were taken into custody and were receiving veterinary care. Animal control identified a suspect linked to a statewide “rescue” group. “Most of the animal-rescue groups are well-intentioned, well-run organizations,” said John Carlson, deputy director of the San Diego County Department of Animal Services. “Unfortunately, you find a bad one sometimes.”

-- Tony Perry