Livermore Police Department (LPD) announced on social media Friday that several chihuahuas were available to adopt at various local animal shelters after being rescued by officials last month.
LPD officials said they recently became aware of more than 50 chihuahuas living in "filthy conditions" at a home in north Livermore. Several of them were found in crates without food or water.
The department's animal services officer Kathy Holmes -- along with community service specialist Joanna Johnson and Pleasanton police’s animal services officer Frankie Ayers -- determined the owner was hoarding the dogs and unable to care for them.
The dogs were transported to the East County Animal Shelter in Dublin and received vaccinations, nail care and were placed in clean cages.
One of the dogs needed emergency medical attention and has already been placed in a new home. The remaining dogs are dispersed among other agencies that took them in to help the East County Animal Shelter with finding placements for them.
There are 15 available for adoption at Oakland Animal Services, 12 dogs are at Dublin SPCA and approximately 10 are at Valley Humane Society.
There are also 12 dogs remaining at the East County Animal Shelter.
LPD advises anyone interested in adopting a dog or making a donation to help with the financial burden of caring for them to contact the agencies directly.
As for the dogs' previous living situation, LPD's animal services officer has submitted a complaint to the district attorney’s office and it is currently under investigation.
Contacts for the shelters where the dogs are located are:
* Oakland Animal Services: 510-535-5602
* Dublin SPCA: 925-479-9670
* Valley Humane Society: 925-426-8656
* East County Animal Shelter: 925-803-7040
