60+ dogs removed from unsanitary Peoria home getting second chance at life

PEORIA, AZ (AZFamily) — Peoria police and dog rescues announced Thursday a paw-sitive update regarding the dozens of dogs that were seized from a home that investigators called “unlivable” last month.

Officers said that nearly all of the more than 60 dogs that were safely removed from the house are in animal rescues, and some have already been adopted. Only eight dogs remain in police custody, but those dogs are expected to head to rescues on Friday.

“Every animal agency is working as hard as they can to save the precious animals that we all care about,” Bari Mears, president and founder of PACC911, said.

Peoria police praised PACC911, a Phoenix animal rescue network that stepped up to help these dogs in distress.

“The collaboration between the Peoria Police Department, PACC911, our rescue partners, and the public has made a real difference in the lives of these animals,” Peoria Police Chief Thomas Intrier said.

Almost There Rescue, which is part of PACC911, was at the home near 89th Avenue and Union Hills Drive when the dogs were being taken out on Jan. 21 and stepped up to help. Police said the organization, which specializes in puppies and mothers, immediately took in 17 puppies and two moms.

“So the two mamas took care of all the puppies together,” Nikkieta Yahne, deputy director of Almost There Rescue, said.

“Yeah, two of the older ones went right into foster ‘cause they weren’t nursing on mom. They were older than the rest. So they went into foster homes and were doing awesome,” Kyle Simmons, director of volunteer and foster programs at Almost There Rescue, said.

Photos released by police at the time of the seizure showed trash and debris everywhere inside the home, with torn-up carpet and flooring. Clothing and bedding material were also seen scattered on the floor.

Police acted after a months-long investigation stemming from neighbor complaints of bad smells coming from the home. Officers had gone to the home more than 100 times between 2023 and 2026.

Detectives said Thursday that no arrests have been made, but the investigation is still active.

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