Animal hoarding investigation: 13 dogs seized from Buckeye home

BUCKEYE, Ariz. (KSAZ) - More than a dozen dogs were seized from a Buckeye home and it all started with a welfare check on Tuesday when the homeowner would not let detectives into the house. They returned on Wednesday with a warrant.

When detectives arrived at the scene, they found two dogs outside of the home in poor condition. MCSO says those dogs were immediately seized, but the homeowner, identified as Marva Jean Sturgeon, refused to let detectives check on her other dogs.

The following day, detectives found that the conditions inside the home were unsuitable for the dogs.

Per MCSO, "Detectives reported that the 11 dogs seized today were essentially living in their own feces."

"Animals deserve to be cared for in a way that preserves their overall health," said Sheriff Joe Arpaio. "If they are neglected in a way that causes harm, my detectives will be showing up to make sure the neglect stops."

This is a developing story. Stay with FOX 10 News for updates.