According to the Portage Animal Protective League's Humane Investigations Department, Barbara Wible, co-founder of the nonprofit rescue group Canine Lifeline of Macedonia, Ohio, is accused of dispicable torture and cruelty against the poor dogs.
The Portage Animal Protective League said: "Inside the home, the Humane Agents discovered 146 deceased dogs in varying stages of decay. No dogs were found alive. Many of the dogs were found confined within their crates."
According to a Canine Lifeline statement on its website, authorities had visited the house on June 2 after Wible passed out. At Wible's "current" property in Parma as well as at her second home in Mantua, investigations into "evidence of ongoing fatal animal neglect" were "triggered" by the fall.
At Wible's Parma home, there were a few surviving pets that have since been relocated to the Parma Animal Shelter.
According to Canine Lifeline, the group, and its employees were "shocked and horrified" to learn about the grisly find.
"Please know that the volunteers of Canine Lifeline are grieving this tragedy and are cooperating with the appropriate authorities. Canine Lifeline has been an all-volunteer network of animal rescue volunteers. Since its founding, it has matched over 6,000 dogs with their forever families," the organization claimed.
Canine Lifeline also stated that the Wible "was a very private person who appeared … to be devoted to these rescue animals; it appeared to be her life’s passion." The organization is "sickened and blind-sighted to learn this was a facade."
"Volunteers and adoptive families that gave their time and energy to the cause of animal welfare are now navigating feelings of bewilderment, betrayal, and grief in light of what has been learned about Wible’s secret treatment of animals," Canine Lifeline added.
Animal rescuers removed pets from the house last year, according to neighbors.
According to documents obtained, Canine Lifeline reported a net operating loss of more than $9,000 last year.
The canines will undergo necropsies to determine how they passed away.
The discovery is the subject of an active, ongoing inquiry. The public is being urged by Canine Lifeline to donate to the Parma Animal Shelter.