FULTON COUNTY, Ga. – The number of dogs recovered from a Riverdale-area home is now closer to 85, according to a Lifeline spokesperson who is assisting with the animals' care.
Authorities initially said "well over 60" dogs were turned over to animal control after emergency responders responded to the home for reports of a fire and found the animals living in "deplorable conditions."
According to spokesman with the Fulton County Fire Department Jack Butler, an elderly man was burning paper in the fireplace of his Lori Lane home around 12:30 Sunday afternoon. Butler said it sparked a minor fire inside the home that caused little fire damage, but caused a lot of smoke.
When firefighters got there, they found dozens of dogs living with the elderly couple in conditions he said were "unsanitary for animals or humans to live in."
Fulton County Animal Control was called to the scene to remove the dogs from the home. Butler said in the process, a dog bit a firefighter but did not pierce the first responder's skin thanks to the gear they were wearing.
The shelter is asking for the public's help to make room for their newest additions.
"We desperately need temporary fosters for our medium and large dogs to make space for these 50 dogs! You can stop by the shelter between 11am-7pm or email foster@fultonanimalservices.com for more information"
Police and animal control are now investigating the situation and will release more information when available. Neither the man, nor his wife, also in the home at the time, were injured in the incident.
