36 Chihuahuas Seized From 2 California Homes [VIDEO]: Santa Cruz County Animal Shelter Rescues 3 Dozen Dogs From Watsonville Animal Hoarders

36 Chihuahuas were seized this week from two homes in Watsonville, California. Some of the dogs were 2-week-old puppies and they are all headed to foster care before they can be adopted. According to Todd Stosuy, the field manager of the Santa Cruz County Animal Shelter, officials were executing two search warrants on the residences when they rescued the 3-dozen animals. The first was an apartment search on Monday; ending with the collection of 11 dogs. Then the second search was of a relative's house; ending in the collection of 25 dogs.

Stosuy also states that the incident was overall a hoarding case, saying objects were also filling the homes, making it difficult for officials to navigate the residences. He added, "The dogs were indiscriminately breeding in the house."

According to Stosuy, the landlord of the East Beach Street apartment complex called the shelter with concerns of the care of the Chihuahuas. This prompted the first investigation where they learned of the relative's residence and eventually obtained search warrants. All in all, there were 26 dogs seized from the properties and 16 of them were puppies. Stosuy also said that officials believed that "there were three separate litters."

This is an ongoing investigation with no charges of animal neglect filed yet. Stosuy said that a misdemeanor charge warrants a $20,000 fine and/or up to one year in county jail. There is also a new state law prohibiting anyone who has been convicted of animal neglect from owning another pet for up to 5 years.

The 36 dogs are currently being housed at the shelter's two locations and will soon head off to foster homes. Stosuy issued a call to prospective adoptive families, saying, "We need people who are interested in having a new, loving family friend to adopt some of these guys."