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COLUMBIANA -- A Fairfield Avenue home that was found to have nearly 30 dogs inside on Wednesday was already on the city's radar for ongoing code-related concerns and property maintenance.
City Manager Lance Willard said the city has been working with the property owner of the home in the 700 block of Fairfield Avenue for months.
"We had also received complaints regarding barking and had concerns about the overall condition of the property," he said.
He added that as city staff were preparing to address other issues at the property they made the decision to contact the Columbiana County Humane Society because of concerns about the number of animals reportedly being kept at the home and concerns for their welfare.
"Upon entering the property, the humane agent determined that the animals were being kept in conditions that required immediate intervention," he said.
Fabian Pike, chief humane officer, said in a post on the organization's social media on Thursday that the condition of the home was in one the top three worst he has seen on his job.
He also said that cases like this often don't happen overnight.
The Humane Society seized all of the animals at the home and due to the influx are now at capacity.
A plea for volunteers, donations, and those wishing to adopt or foster animals in their care was made by Pike on the social media page.
As of Thursday there was just over $2,700 in funding raised.
Willard wished to thank the organization for their help.
"The city's primary concern is the health, safety and welfare of the community, and we appreciate the humane agent's assistance in addressing the situation," Willard said.