Several dogs were discovered after deputies were alerted to barking coming from a self-storage container in Hernando County, Florida.

When Florida deputies reported to the scene of a suspicious storage facility in Hernando County, which is just north of Tampa, on Tuesday, they had no idea what they would find.

Inside of a large pad-locked storage container, officers found seven dogs that had been kept in deplorable conditions.

One dog was discovered chained by a short leash.

Officers also discovered two crates stacked on top of each other. One contained two chihuahuas with no access to water while another had a dog locked up with her two puppies.

"No one should have a dog if they’re going to treat them like that," local Sandy Smiley told ABC Action News. "We want to keep animals safe, people safe, kids safe; there’s a lot of people in this neighborhood who really care."

The dogs were transported to Hernando County Animal Services where they were evaluated by a veterinarian. There were all found to be in "decent" condition.

Authorities are still searching for the person or persons responsible for this animal cruelty case.

Anyone with information has been asked to reach out to 352-754-6830.

Read more here.
