276 dogs rescued from New Jersey home

Authorities seized 276 small dogs from a New Jersey home. (Monmouth County Sheriff's Office)

As many as 276 small dogs were rescued from a New Jersey home in what local authorities were calling one of the worst animal hoarding cases they’ve ever seen.

Officers with the Monmouth County Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals said the dogs were living in deplorable conditions in a home in Howell, the Asbury Park Press reported Saturday.

Authorities said dogs found in N.J. hoarding home were in "fair" condition. (Monmouth County Sheriff's Office)

The SPCA seized the dogs Thursday after an animal control officer was called to find a dog that had gotten loose.

“Most of these dogs have never seen the outside of their house before,” the SPCA’s Ross Licitra told the paper.

Rescuers with dogs seized from New Jersey home. (Monmouth County Sheriff's Office)

Licitra said most of the animals were in fair condition. He said officers found no dead dogs.

Officials said charges are expected to be filed against the couple who own the house.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.