Riverbank Police Services deputies were dispatched to a call that was a bit out of their normal – but led to a happy ending for 19 Chihuahuas last week. The owner surrendered the dogs that were living in what deputies called horrific conditions and some of the worst that they had ever seen. Deputies arrived at the two bedroom duplex on Kentucky Avenue in Riverbank to assist Animal Control Officer Beth Crowley retrieve all 19 dogs successfully.

There were seven males and 12 females including one that was pregnant at the time of the rescue. She later had a litter of three puppies that were all in good health. All the dogs were examined by a local veterinarian in Oakdale and released for adoption. Some of the dogs had extremely long nails and mangled hair according to deputies. They all received a health check and had been vaccinated and de-fleaed. Deputy Matt Orr with Riverbank Police Services had previously worked as an Oakdale Animal Control Officer and he was able to use some of his experience to help wrangle the dogs along with Crowley and the other deputies.

According to Oakdale Police Officer Janeen Yates, the rescue took approximately two-and-a-half hours and all of the pups have been adopted by private citizens or sent to rescue organizations.