A violent storm in Indiana led to a shocking discovery after a massive tree crashed onto a trailer and exposed what authorities are investigating as a possible animal hoarding situation.
The disturbing scene unfolded in Merrillville, Indiana, where dozens of dogs and several cats were found living inside the damaged home.
Humane Indiana said the situation came to light after severe storms knocked out power across the state and sent a large tree crashing down onto the trailer.
Neighbors reportedly became aware of the animals after the damage and alerted the shelter.
The Merrillville Police Department then responded after Humane Indiana raised concerns about a possible hoarding situation.
Police and shelter workers began investigating the property and eventually removed a large number of animals from the home.
Authorities said the dogs and cats were placed into the care of Humane Indiana, where they are now being examined and treated.
The shelter initially reported taking in 48 dogs, but WGN News later reported that more than 70 dogs and about five cats may have been inside the trailer.
Most of the dogs are reportedly young adults weighing between about 4 and 12 pounds.
Humane Indiana officials said the rescue may be the largest hoarding case the shelter has ever handled.
The timing made the situation even more difficult.
The shelter had only recently reopened after being closed for about a week because of a power outage that forced staff to empty its kennels.
Despite the massive influx of animals, shelter workers said none of the rescued pets had to be euthanized.
The animals are now receiving veterinary exams, vaccinations, medications, testing, grooming, food and other care.
Photos shared by Humane Indiana showed some of the dogs huddled together inside kennels. Several appeared extremely thin, with their ribs clearly visible.
“They have been through so much, and now they are safe with us,” Humane Indiana said.
The shelter also stressed that the animals had no control over the conditions they were living in.
“They didn’t choose the conditions they were living in,” Humane Indiana said. “They didn’t choose the storm. They didn’t choose the tree that came crashing down.”
Police said the investigation remains active and that the animals will stay in the legal and physical custody of Humane Indiana while the case continues.
Because of the ongoing investigation, the dogs and cats cannot yet be transferred to other rescue groups, foster homes or private individuals.
But Humane Indiana said the goal is eventually to place the dogs in permanent homes once they are cleared and legally available.
“These dogs deserve the chance to finally experience what it feels like to be loved, spoiled, and safe in a home of their own,” the shelter said.
Over the next several weeks, Humane Indiana plans to begin looking for families willing to give the rescued animals that chance.