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21 dogs removed from 'deplorable' conditions in Lorain

Officials described the home as a "Dog Concentration Camp."

Lorain police on Tuesday were forced to remove 21 dogs who were found living in what was described by officials as a "Dog Concentration Camp" on the city's east side.

Around 9:30 a.m., a woman called the department's dispatch line and reported a "bad" smell coming from the home on the 1700 block of E 28th St. She said she saw "at least five" dogs inside, but no one answered the door when she knocked.

Officers were then sent to the area nearly two hours later, where according to a police report, they could hear a "multitude of dogs" barking and could smell "an odor of feces" from an open window. Due to the hot temperatures, authorities worried for the safety of the dogs, and a search warrant was obtained from Lorain Municipal Court.

Investigators finally got inside just after 3 p.m., and discovered conditions were "worse than we thought": All of the dogs were in cages or crates (some too small for them to move), and temperatures rose to an estimated 100 degrees with no air conditioning. The air "reeked" of feces, which had been both swarmed by flied and even stepped on by the dogs. The food and water bowls were described as "filthy," and one of the dogs even broke out of its cage and bit an officer on the leg.

Cornelius Leon Charlton, one of the home's renters, later showed up and told authorities he used the facility as a kennel for lost dogs. While his Facebook page lists him as the owner of "Kevlar Kennels" and he claims he breeds dogs, police say he does not have a license to do so. He later became "uncooperative," and left after telling officials, "Have fun getting the rest of the dogs out."

The dogs were all in "reasonably good health," although some had skin issues from fleas and all had extremely long toenails. Others were "slightly" malnourished. They have since been taken to the Animal Protective League.

Charlton has been charged with cruelty to companion animals, and is set to appear in court next week. Officials say more charges could be on the way.

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