27 neglected dogs rescued from home in Hauppauge, Suffolk County

HAUPPAUGE, Long Island (WABC) -- A report of a fire in Suffolk County over the weekend revealed dozens of neglected dogs found living in deplorable conditions.

Looking at the Dachshunds, clean and happy, you would never know the horrible conditions they were living in.

"Soaked in urine and feces, the dogs. Some of them had lice. There were three puppies that were severely dehydrated," said Chief Roy Gross, Suffolk SPCA.

Animal rescuers discovered all 27 of them after police were called to the home in Hauppauge after a report of a fire.

The homeowner, John Lowery, 57, is being charged with 27 counts of animal cruelty for having the animals living in such filth.

"Our agents had to put on hazmat suits to go into the house. It was so bad," Gross said.

What's so strange is that Eyewitness News spoke to people who live in this neighborhood, even Lowery's next door neighbors, and they said they didn't even know there were dogs living in the house. They say they never even heard them barking.

Most of the dogs are being cared for at Save a Pet in Port Jefferson Station.

The goal now is to get them into good homes.

"They are good with children. There are no issues with these dogs. They are very social. They do get along with other dogs," said Dori Scofield, Save-A-Pet.

They all have to be spayed and neutered first, but the SPCA says they've already received more than 100 calls from people looking to adopt the dogs.

If you're interested in adopting one of the dachshunds you will need to fill out an application online through Save-A-Pet at www.saveapetny.org.

Lowery is scheduled to be arraigned Sept. 2.