30 Chihuahuas Found in Tuskegee Home in Hoarding Case

Police and veterinarians respond to one of the worst hoarding situations they've encountered.

Feb. 5, 2026 at 8:23pm

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

Police in Tuskegee, Alabama responded to a report of a resident who had passed away, finding 30 Chihuahuas being kept in poor conditions in the deceased person's home. Animal control officers and veterinarians from Tuskegee University's College of Veterinary Medicine evaluated the dogs, many of whom were in varying stages of poor health, and are now working to rehabilitate the animals and find them new homes.

Why it matters

Hoarding cases involving large numbers of animals in unsanitary conditions are unfortunately common, but this incident highlights the severe mental health and animal welfare issues that can arise when such situations go unchecked. The collaboration between local law enforcement, animal control, and veterinary experts demonstrates the community-wide response needed to address these complex problems.

The details

When police and animal control officers entered the Tuskegee home, they found 30 Chihuahuas living in cages stacked on top of each other, with a buildup of urine, feces, and debris throughout the house. Many of the dogs were emaciated, and several were found deceased. Veterinarians from Tuskegee University's College of Veterinary Medicine were called in to evaluate the animals' health, with some found to have respiratory issues.

  • On February 6, 2026, police responded to the Tuskegee home.

The players

Tuskegee Police Department

The local law enforcement agency that responded to the hoarding case and is working with partners to rehabilitate the dogs.

Tuskegee University College of Veterinary Medicine

The veterinary school that sent experts to the home to assess the health of the Chihuahuas and provide medical treatment.

Officer Heather Whatley

A Tuskegee police officer who described the unsanitary conditions found in the home.

Officer Julie Watts

A Tuskegee police officer who noted the wide range of ages and health conditions of the dogs discovered.

Dr. Steven Walker

A veterinarian from Tuskegee University's College of Veterinary Medicine who said this was one of the worst hoarding cases he had ever encountered.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“Definitely a urine and feces build up. The ammonia smell will knock you down, when you open the door.”

— Officer Heather Whatley, Tuskegee Police Department

“Many of them are emaciated, there are a few that we have found deceased. Ranging from newborn puppies to older dogs.”

— Officer Julie Watts, Tuskegee Police Department

“I've been a licensed veterinarian for 30 years. This is the worst hoarding case I've ever worked on. One of the worst I've ever worked on.”

— Dr. Steven Walker, Tuskegee University College of Veterinary Medicine

What’s next

The priority for the College of Veterinary Medicine is to continue evaluating the dogs' health and providing necessary medical treatment. Local animal shelters and humane societies are also working to rehabilitate the dogs and find them new homes.

The takeaway

This tragic hoarding case underscores the urgent need for greater mental health support and community oversight to prevent such severe animal neglect situations from occurring. The collaborative response from law enforcement, veterinary experts, and animal welfare organizations demonstrates the importance of robust partnerships to address complex issues of animal cruelty.