SANTEE, Calif. -- Dogs, a cat, a tortoise and other animals are taken from an East County home after being found in a home filled with feces and debris, according to county animal control officers.

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The pets were found Saturday when the Department of Animal Services served a search warrant at a house on Prospect Avenue in Santee. Inside officers said they found a menagerie filled with 23 dogs a tortoise, a skunk, a cat and a macaw. One dead bird was also found inside.

Most of the dogs were tied up on short leads inside the house, which had become tangled, officers said. Only one of the 23 dogs had access to water and there was no food, according to officials. Debris inside the rooms were said to be 2-feet deep.

Animal control described the smell inside the home as being "so foul" that officers wore masks and paper suits to protect themselves from the filth.

"This is clearly among the worst hoarding situations we have come across recently," said John Carlson, deputy director of the Department of Animal Services.

A tip from a concerned citizen led officers to the home. Officers said they rescued a dog last week that was not receiving appropriate veterinary care.

The animals are now in the custody of Animal Services at its shelter in Bonita, where they have been examined by veterinarians and are receiving care.

According to animal control officers, it appears that the animals were acquired by Southern California Chow Chow Rescue and Transport, an animal rescue group, based in Santee. No arrests have been made, however a person of interest is being investigated in connection with the case, Carlson said. That person could face felony animal cruelty charges.

The case will be submitted to the District Attorney’s Office, according to officials.