Charges are pending in what the Blount County Sheriff's Office calls a "severe animal abuse" case involving dozens of dogs found living in feces and standing water. Some had to be euthanized due to the severity of their conditions.In February, the county's animal control deputy responded to a report of loose dogs and animal abuse on Sawmill Road in the Blountsville area. When he arrived at the house, he saw 10 to 15 dogs running freely on the property and about 10 more confined in cages. After unsuccessful attempts to contact the residents, investigators learned that the property owners lived in another county. Another agency also tried to contact the owners and reported hearing what sounded like 20 dogs inside the house.The owners were eventually located and agreed to meet deputies at the property. At that time, Deputy Brock Echols discovered more than 25 dogs, almost all of which were suffering from mange and severe malnutrition. Some had open wounds and various skin conditions. He said the dogs did not have access to clean water or sufficient food. In some areas, there were more than twelve inches of feces. When the owners let Deputy Echols inside, he found eight more dogs in unsuitable living conditions. He said the dogs were in standing water in the basement, surrounded by floating trash and feces. He also found five more puppies that the owners told him they did not know were there.During the investigation, the deputy discovered 15 more dogs and one deceased puppy outside. The Blount County Animal Adoption Center assisted in removing a total of 43 dogs from the property. Several were euthanized due to irreversible health issues, according to the sheriff's office. Criminal charges are pending and the investigation is ongoing."It is essential to spay and neuter your dogs and cats. Heartbreaking scenes like these must be avoided," said the sheriff's office in a statement. "It is inhumane to allow dogs to merely exist; they require care and nurturing to ensure their health and well-being."The sheriff's office urges anyone who knows of similar situations or of animal abuse in Blount County to contact Deputy Brock Echols.>> WVTM 13 ON-THE-GO: Download our app for free