LYNNFIELD, Mass. — Animal welfare officials say they have rescued 199 dogs, cats, birds and other animals from a Lynnfield home where they were living in squalor.

Officials called it one of the worst cases of animal hoarding they had seen.

The animals were discovered late last month when police went to the home for a medical emergency and found a 69-year-old woman dead. Her death was not considered suspicious. The discovery was announced Monday.

Animal welfare officials removed 77 cats, 81 birds, and 27 dogs, according to the Boston Globe. Four of the dogs were puppies born just weeks before.

Authorities say the animals, many of them sick and malnourished, were in cages and crates stacked to the ceiling. Animal waste covered the floors and the smell was overpowering.

Some animals had to be euthanized, and the rest have been sent to area shelters for rehabilitation and adoption.

The husband of the woman who died could face charges.


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