GASTON – Deputies seized 165 dogs, four birds and two horses from a Washington County home Thursday.

The sheriff’s office says 59-year-old Carolyn Ohlhauser had more than 150 Chihuahuas in small, feces-covered cages and kennels. Her daughter and three grandchildren were living upstairs in the Gaston home.

Sgt. David Thompson says Ohlhauser is a registered breeder and was last inspected in 2002. Despite the filth, all the dogs appeared to be well-fed and healthy.

Ohlhauser was cited for animal neglect and forfeited her rights to the animals. The dogs will spend a week or two at an animal shelter and then be put up for adoption.