MIDDLEBORO – The 17 dogs, six horses, two cats, guinea pig and turtle removed from 53 Precinct St. in Middleboro are now being cared for by MSPCA-Angell in Boston, according to the MSPCA.

The dogs were found living in unsanitary conditions in the basement with no access to food or water, the MSPCA reported.

The cats, turtle, and guinea pig were found in similar states, as were the horses who were being kept outside in unsanitary conditions.

 “All the animals are underweight, and it was immediately clear that they’re going to need a lot of care,” reported MSPCA Law Enforcement Director Chris Schindler. 

“We volunteered to take all of the animals not only so we’re able to keep them together, but to also ensure that they have access to the incredible veterinary resources at our disposal at Angell (Animal Medical Center in Boston) if any need advanced medical care.’’

The organization will learn more “as we do complete medical and behavior evaluations.”

 Taking them in is “absolutely’’ going to strain the organization's resources, which are already stretched thin, he said.

 All of the dogs will be housed in boarding space at Angell, something that the MSPCA has never done before.

 “We need to get creative to ensure these animals are able to get the care they need,” Schindler said, “Our shelter capacity is tight, so we were forced to try something new to accommodate such a large and sudden intake.”

And because the animals were seized, their daily care will present a “huge financial burden,’’ he added, until they can be surrendered and placed in new homes. 

 Those interested in donating to help offset that cost may do so at mspca.org/middle.

 The MSPCA is also holding a fee-waived adoptathon this week for all dogs one and older across all four of its shelters to help free up space.

For more information, visit mspca.org/feewaived.

 No additional information on the investigation is immediately available.