35 dogs living in unsanitary conditions

One of the largest animal cruelty cases in Orleans County is causing a space crunch at Lollypop Farm. Investigators found more than 30 dogs living in unsanitary conditions. The dogs are being rehabilitated, while the owner could be facing charges.

This house on Ridge Road in Gaines hasn't been this quiet in years, that's according to neighbors.

"Constant barking 24 hours a day. It never ever stopped, never stopped, drove mine nuts," said Thomas M. Mulley, a neighbor.

That's because there were 35 dogs living in the backyard.

“It was awful. There were cages that didn't meet any kind of standards and there were dogs just chained up with little, tiny, itty, bitty chains," said Mulley.

But now that's all that's left behind. This week, cruelty investigators from the Humane Society of Greater Rochester seized 30 dogs and 5 puppies. 3 more pups were found dead.

"Feces was as high as your knee under some of the dog crates and such. Some of the dogs were emaciated. A number of the dogs had not had any regular vet care. Dental disease was so bad the teeth were falling out of a number of the dogs," said Richard Gerbasi, Vice President of Operations and Field Services at Lollypop Farm.

Now the dogs, which are beagles and coon-hounds are in the hands of caregivers at Lollypop Farm.

"They'll get regular walks for once in their lives, they will be a nutrition is going to be a big issue, dental care again that is something the clinic will have to work on, it'll take some time to rehabilitate them," said Gerbasi.

But the number of dogs at one time puts a strain on the shelter which is already dealing with a space crunch. Many of the smaller dogs are placed in one kennel just to make room for other dogs brought in daily.

Despite the dogs' current conditions, caregivers are hopeful they'll be adoptable soon.

As for the owner, 63-year-old Charles Spinks could be facing charges of animal cruelty and neglect which could earn him one year in jail and/or a $1,000 fine.

"This gentleman should've sought assistance a long time ago," said Gerbasi.

Here's a link to Lollypop Farm.