30 dogs found dead in ‘various states’ of decomposition at rescue center

At least 30 dogs were found dead in various states of decomposition at two animal rescue centers in Ohio, causing the organization to face several felony allegations of animal abuse.  As well as the 30 dead dogs, authorities also found 90 dogs kept in inhumane conditions when they conducted a search at the nonprofit Helping Hands, the Butler County Sheriff’s Office said.  Rhonda Murphy – the suspect – is believed to be the organization’s owner and operator.  Police said that she faces “dozens of charges of neglect and cruelty to companion animals, both felony and misdemeanor.” Dogs found last week at a Hamilton Township, Ohio, animal rescue (Image: Butler County Sheriff’s Office) However, it wasn’t clear if she was arrested, booked, or formally charged with the felony allegations.  Dog wardens and humane officers found the dead dogs at a rescue location in Madison Township, the sheriff’s office confirmed.  On the company’s website, it says: “Here at Helping Hands For Furry Paws, we are driven by a single goal to save as many dogs as we can. We love seniors and believe every dog deserves a chance.” The dead animals were discovered in freezers and refrigerators, some were broken and not keeping the animals cool.  Agt least 90 dogs were found being kept in inhumane conditions (Image: NBC News ) Deputies said the odor in the rescue center was “horrendous” (Image: NBC News ) The dogs were in various states of decomposition, the sheriff’s office said in a statement.  Some of the pups were still alive but in need of fresh air, food, and water, officers revealed.  The statement said: “One garage housed over 25 dogs in cages with no ventilation or air conditioning, with measured indoor temperatures of 89 degrees.” The cages they were kept in were also full of fecal matter and urine with no water or food, it’s claimed.  Pictures showed hoarder-like conditions at the center (Image: NBC News ) 30 dogs were found dead and in various states of decomposition (Image: NBC News ) “One cage contained a mother and eight newborn puppies,” the statement said.  One location, described by the sheriff’s office as “the main house,” contained 11 dogs and photos scene show hoarder-like conditions. Sheriff’s officials described the odor there as “horrendous” in the statement, which said deputies had to take breaks to walk outside for fresh air. The Animal Friends Humane Society took the seized dogs, an act that nearly doubled its animal population, reported NBC affiliate  WLWT  of Cincinnati. Follow our social media accounts here on  facebook.com/ExpressUSNews   and  @expressusnews