WARREN, Mich. (WXYZ) — Warren firefighters made a disturbing discovery Wednesday afternoon. They responded to a call of a fire at a home on Van Dyke south of Nine Mile Road.
There were no people inside the house, but when firefighters got there they found at least 16 dogs and cats inside the home. Action News is told the animals didn't have food or water.
The fire was contained to a room on the second floor. No word yet on what started it.
"Both hallways going upstairs were blocked by dog cages," said Warren Battalion Chief Ron Laszczak. " The crew made entry through the front windows. It looks like they had an old pet store/dog rescue."
Warren Animal Control says they also found two turtles and a ferret. There were also three dead cats in cages. Officials say those deaths are not likely connected to the fire.
"The conditions in the building are pretty bad," said Officer Lisa Taylor. "I'd have to call it a hoarder situation. There was an excessive amount of feces in the building."
Action News tried talking to the people who live at the house, but they had no comment.
All the animals were ultimately surrendered. They will be checked out by a veterinarian and then should be available to be fostered or adopted. Warren Animal Control is working with local rescues to get the animals the help they need.
